OUR COMMUNITY NEWS

On February 1, 2022, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors acknowledged and proclaimed February 2022 as Black History Month with an official Resolution. The presentation included the singing of the Negro National Anthem by Darell Tullis, presentation by SB County Supervisors honoring healers (health care and behavioral health practitioners). SB County staff worked with Lawanda Lyons-Pruit, Wendy Sims-Moten, and Jordan Killebrew on this presentation and the three received the Resolution on behalf of the Black/African American communities across Santa Barbara County. View the videos below to enjoy.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA - In celebration of the historical achievements of Black/African American’s for our country, Black/African-American led organizations continue the tradition of coming together to provide events for Black History Month (BHM) in February and year-round in Santa Barbara County. The 2022 theme of Black Joy & Legacy Through Family Health & Safety connects the events to uplifting the joy, accomplishments, challenges, and successes of local Black/African-American individuals.

SANTA BARBARA, CA - Around thirty virtual events are planned for Black History Month (BHM) in Santa Barbara County with a theme of The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity this year. For the second year in a row, several organizations are collaborating to celebrate and honor the contributions of African Americans and Black folks in society.

Healing Justice Santa Barbara, is a Black centered and Black femme led collective. Leaders of this collective discuss this current moment and future plans for a Santa Barbara that invests in and truly values Black lives. Facebook @Healing Justice.

The Santa Barbara Public Library has compiled a list of books for Juneteenth that focus on Black joy and telling stories of Black lives and communities in celebration. We hope you enjoy! View the Juneteenth Book List.

Since it’s start in 1986 the Endowment for Youth Committee (EYC) has been one of the largest organizations on the California Central Coast that remains dedicated to the educational success and advancement of Black/African American youth.

EYC is committed to our youth, to their success, and putting forth all our resources to help them thrive. Learn more at endowmentforyouth.org

Shakir Ahmad, student leader and organizer says this Juneteenth “Don’t forget about the youth. We’re a big part of this fight too. Our voices matter and must be heard. My name Shakir and I’m just one of the many youth who want justice. We will not stop until there is”. Watch his video on Instagram.

Miriam Dance, is the playwright behind "IN HIS HANDS" from PROGRAM B of NEW WORKS LAB and a recording artist. She wrote the following song Rise Up! Tribe Up! In memory of those who have been taken by Police brutality. Connect with her here: instagram.com/mdancemusic100 or by email at miriamdance3017@gmail.com.

James Joyce III currently serves as District Director for State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson and founder of Coffee with a Black Guy LLC. This Juneteenth he shares about the importance of story telling and holding space for Black joy. Learn more about his cultural innovations cwabg.com

Master Mariano Silva brings over two decades of experience into his work as a teacher, performer, artistic director, and community leader. Master Silva was born in the birthplace of Afro-Brazilian cultural arts, Salvador, Bahia. He began training as a youth and founded his own academy in Salvador in his early twenties. Upon arriving in the United States, Master Silva continued his legacy of providing a comprehensive cultural experience, founding the Brazilian Cultural Arts Center of Santa Barbara.

Jordan Killebrew is a cofounder of Juneteenth Santa Barbara and wears many different hats within the community. He is a community organizer that has an abnormal love of the community, especially in Santa Barbara. His day job is at the Santa Barbara Foundations while his free time is spent volunteering with local nonprofits. He is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and he revels in the pride of being a Gaucho alum. Learn more about him at jordankillebrew.com.

Dr. Azure Stewart, is an educator with a big heart who spills her love and joy of the Black community through mentoring and her teaching and healing through yoga.

We are grateful that she has offered meditation and yoga as it is incredibly important for us to nourish our bodies in this time. Dr. Stewart can be reached at azurestewart@gmail.com or (805) 316-0448.

Dr. Kelli Rugless is a Licensed Psychologist and the owner of Flourish Psychology, a private psychological practice dedicated to meeting the unique needs of women. Learn more about her work at WeFlourishpsychology.com.

LaDonte King is a southern CA native and 2001 alum of UC Santa Barbara, where he was an active student-leader in various student organizations and a 3-year letterman on the UCSB Men’s Basketball Team. With over 15 years of experience as a collegiate students affairs professional, LaDonte has developed a keen and thoughtful passion for coaching college-aged students to academic success. Outside of helping students to achieve their goals, LaDonte also enjoys music, being the best uncle to his nieces and nephews, and golfing. La Donte is the Vice President of Academic Support at Launch Student Success. Learn more about his work at Launch Student Success.

AAC // Aaron A. Carey is a children's book author, illustrator and artist. Aaron was born and raised in the heart of Silicon Valley; he is a proud graduate of Fremont High School and UC Santa Barbara. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 22, he aspires to arm as many people as possible with will-power, perseverance and self-determination. Aaron has always been a huge supporter of education, art, music and teaching today's youth the importance of acceptance, tolerance and believing in ones self. Buggie Bear's Big Idea is the first book in the Buggie Everest Bear series, packed with affirmations for children of all ages. Learn more about the creator.