Black Student Success Week was celebrated Friday, April 26 with Black Jeopardy: Black History and Cultural Trivia game at Moreno Valley College. 

The event brought together students from the Umoja and the Associated Students of MVC organizations on campus and empowered them to support one another through community and a shared experience.

“It’s a good day to stimulate our minds,” said the organizer of the event, Professor Robert Mason.

The Black Jeopardy: Black History and Cultural Trivia game was created by Brandy Mitchell and contained categories such as: Black TV Shows, Growing Up Black, Black Music, Soul Food, Black History and Black Movie Quotes. The teams were the students versus the staff which made for an exciting atmosphere and joyful competition. The students began the first game with a huge lead that the staff just could not come back from. However, the staff would have the last laugh by winning game two handily. 

Umoja means unity, and this game really highlighted the community that these organizations represent by bringing everyone together to bond over Black culture.

“This kind of showed me how similar we are as Black students, and I am looking forward to next year,”  said Psychology major Janiyah Williams.

During the event, one student noted that Umoja needs more coverage on campus because there are a number of Black MVC students that have never heard of Umoja. Professor Mason responded by challenging the students in attendance to show up, bring people from the community, when Umoja does something get involved and lean into the experience.

As Black Student Success Week came to a close, the message from Umoja and ASMVC was clear: “We are building a better future together, and the urgency is now.”

Students looking to get involved in Umoja or ASMVC should visit the Common Ground Center inside the Welcome Center building or contact Professor Frankie Moore. There are still a few events left this semester, including a comedy show that will be free for all students and their families to attend on May 14, the time is yet to be determined. The Umoja graduation ceremony will be held on May 16, but space will be limited to families.