SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District and Allan Hancock College will virtually present “A Time to Take a Stand” in observance of Black History Month on Friday, February 19th.
The event, which starts at 12:45 p.m. and ends 3:15 p.m., is hosted by the Center for Leadership Equity and Research in collaboration with the Central Coast NAACP & Center for Culturally Proficient Educational Practice.
The presentation will include two panelists: Dr. Terrance Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine students (who in 1957 was one of the first black students to attend a desegregated school); and Dr. Tommie Smith, who raised a black gloved fist with his teammate during the medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympics.
“Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s Mission statement states that we prepare all learners to become productive citizens,’’ said SMJUHSD Director of Student Services Pete Flores III. “A key component of meeting this goal is recognizing that our students understand the historical foundations that can impact the realities of a diverse American demographic that can sometimes present challenges based on race, ethnicity, or gender. In support of this goal and in light of recent events, on July 14, 2020, Board Resolution Number 01-2020-2021 was passed. This resolution denounced racial discrimination and affirmed a commitment to Ethnic and Gender studies. This presentation will provide an opportunity to hear firsthand the counter-narratives of historical and prominent African-Americans, Dr. Roberts and Dr. Smith.’’