Chaffey Black History Month Speaker: 'Recognize that all Black lives matter'

While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served on the frontlines of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, a political activist named Bayard Rustin worked quietly behind the scenes to support his mission.

Rustin, a gay Black man, organized the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for King. But Samson McCormick – who served as keynote speaker for Chaffey’s Black History Month kick-off celebration Feb. 4 – says Rustin’s identity caused him to be an unsung hero.

“Black, gay and queer people have always existed, so when we say Black lives matter, be sure to include all Black people,” McCormick said.

Chaffey’s event drew hundreds of students, faculty and staff for an afternoon of food, culture and community at the Rancho Cucamonga campus. The Los Angeles-based Ocean Charter School Peace Players brought African drum rhythms to the quad, energizing students for the monthlong celebration.

“This is about inclusion of everyone – that nobody is left out and everyone has a place,” said student Zach Jauregui.

The psychology major said he finds LGBTQ activist Marsha P. Johnson the Black leader who inspires him most because of the work she did to support transgender rights.

Mari Mbella said it is important for Chaffey to highlight all cultural celebrations on campus because it makes more people feel seen and heard. She considers Malcolm X her most inspiring Black leader because of his approach to activism.

“He was not scared. He was really fighting for us, but no one gives him the same light as Dr. Martin Luther King,” the business major said.

McCormick, a comedian, writer and producer, challenged the gathering to reject narration and parts of Black history that are untrue, support the work of Black artists and return to cultural practices that build community, including gathering at barbershops and cookouts.

“It’s important to say that Black is beautiful because we live in a country that has no problem demonizing blackness, no problem stigmatizing blackness,” he said. “Whenever we can, it is important that we affirm that Black is beautiful.”

Learn more about upcoming Black History Month events at Chaffey College.