Foreword

Dear Merced College Colleagues,

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, to honor those who came before us, and to recommit ourselves to the work ahead. At Merced College, it is also an opportunity to take stock of how far we have come and to be honest about where continued focus and intention are still needed.

In this issue of the Blue Devil’s Advocate, you will see how our college has deepened its commitment to equity for Black students and other students of color. Our newly adopted Student Equity Plan builds on meaningful progress made in recent years while clearly identifying where barriers remain. The early successes highlighted here, from redesigned courses and expanded tutoring to support programs like Umoja and A2MEND, are not the result of any single initiative or individual. They reflect sustained, collective effort over several years and a willingness to change how we operate as an institution to better support our students.

That commitment comes to life through the hard work of faculty and classified professionals featured in this issue, including Travis Hicks, LaDenta Smith, and Ashleigh Rice. Each of these leaders plays a vital role in creating community, removing obstacles, and ensuring students feel seen and supported. Their efforts reflect a shared belief that student success is shaped not only by instruction, but also by belonging, access, and trust.

You will also meet graduating students Amarah Sayles and Cornelius Awuah, whose journeys through programs such as A2MEND, Umoja, and the Black Student Union demonstrate the power of connection and mentorship. Their stories remind us that when students find a place where they belong, they gain the confidence to lead, both on campus and beyond.

Finally, Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Professor Aniya Baker offers her perspective on leadership, growth, and representation that reinforces a message woven throughout this issue: Meaningful change happens when we invest in people and create environments where they can thrive.

Taken together, these stories point to an important truth. Progress is not automatic, and equity is not achieved through good intentions alone. It requires us to examine our systems, listen carefully to our students, and act in ways that put collective impact ahead of individual credit. That is the kind of change that lasts, and it is always greater than any one of us (∆ > ME).