The smell of barbecue and banana pudding drifted through the Conference Center as laughter bounced from table to table. It didn’t feel like a campus event, it felt like a family gathering.

More than 50 students, faculty and staff filled the room for the Black Excellence Collaborative’s Black History Month cookout, an afternoon centered on food, music and fellowship.

People greeted one another warmly, some reconnecting after time apart, others meeting for the first time but speaking like old friends within minutes.

Guests were welcomed at the door by Amelia Mosley, an academic counselor who supports campus cultural programming.

Tables were decorated with Black History Month souvenirs, and conversations flowed easily as plates were filled with barbecue chicken, hot links, green beans, macaroni and cheese and dinner rolls. Banana pudding – a crowd favorite -quickly disappeared as many went back for seconds.

“It’s great to have the community here together,” said Dr. Chelena Fisher as she thanked attendees for coming. Her message was simple: enjoy the space and each other.

Throughout the afternoon, ’70s hits blended with more recent songs like Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” creating a soundtrack that bridged generations. At one table, students shuffled Uno cards.

At another, talk of dominoes sparked discussion about the “right” way to play, a playful nod to cultural tradition.

At one point, the entire room paused to sing “Happy Birthday” to Antonio “Nio” Lavermon, a spontaneous moment that reinforced the event’s sense of closeness.

Several campus athletic teams attended, including members of the track program. Students Joshua Cureton-Jones and De’Angelo Chester said their coach encouraged them to show up.

Jones shared that he recently learned Africa was historically referred to as Alkebulan, a fact that opened up a deeper conversation at the table about history and identity.

The cookout was not only about celebration but also a connection to resources. Information about the Umoja Success Program was available for students interested in academic support, culturally responsive learning environments and exploring African cultural traditions and practices.

The program aims to address student needs through mentorship, scholarship and community-building.

As one of California’s first Black-Serving Institutions, Cerritos College has placed intentional focus on serving and supporting its Black student population.

That commitment was visible in the room, in the representation across generations, in the presence of faculty alongside students and in the easy camaraderie that turned a campus conference center into something that felt like home.

More than just a meal, the event created space for in-person connection in a time when much interaction happens online.

For a few hours, students and staff stepped away from screens and into community -laughing, learning and celebrating Black history not just as a subject, but as a living culture.

With Women’s History Month approaching, organizers say more community-centered events are on the way.