A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION Vol. 144, Issue 1
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Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2026
Umoja Club celebrates Black History Month
Pierce students pick up their brushes to create art and build community the world and communicate effectively.” The intimidation factor is nothing new to some of the people attending the art event. Umoja counselor Lateaira Hockaday accounted for the hesitancy and made a space where students of all levels could unwind and use the resources provided.
Pre-vet and biotech major Khalil Robinson said the Umoja Village continues to be a unique place that allows students a break from the fast-paced world to be in the moment with people from all walks of life. “We’re engaged and we’re talking amongst each other. We’re learning about each
“It was an opportunity for us to have different representations of people of color and allow the students to interpret what those people look like” Kalynda McLean Umoja Coordinator Nick Crabtree / Roundup News Umoja Coordinator Kalynda McLean shows her completed painting with other participants at the Paint and Dip event with the Umoja Village Club at the Multicultural Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Feb. 19, 2026.
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By Gisele Donan Reporter
n the Multicultural Center on campus, the Umoja Club hosted a Paint and Dip event on Thursday. Students gathered to put on their aprons, use their selfexpression to paint and let their creativity color their canvases. The event encouraged students to step out of their comfort zone and try to tackle the canvas to the best of their abilities. Offering a stressfree environment, the Paint and Dip also provided art materials for all to use freely and decompress with. Alongside attendees, Pierce
College program coordinator and counselor Kalynda McLean sat down to talk and paint with students. McLean used canvases with different outlines of diverse people to and encouraged students to reflect their self- expression comfortably without the intimidation of a blank slate. “It was an opportunity for us to have different representations of people of color and allow the students to interpret what those people look like,” McLean said. “ We wanted any and every student to be able to participate, and there are some people like myself that are not artistic. And so we need a little something on the canvas.” The Paint and Dip event
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hosted at the Umoja Village opened up the importance of art and how it functions as a way to learn new perspectives, and the power of the voice as well as beyond verbal communication. Fine Art and Game Design major Gemaiyesevn Pushmataha said that the event allowed them to express themselves, both creatively and personally. “I love everything that Umoja does. You know, I love the opportunities they have for melanated creators,” said Pushmataha. “Art is my way to kind of feel the world, you know, I feel like if I don’t have a paintbrush, I don’t really have a way to speak. So it’s my way to speak to
Hockaday believes that no matter the major or capability, all are welcome to surround themselves with company and engagement through creativity. “I know art is not for everyone, so I want to make it a little bit more convenient and accessible for people who are not as artistic,” Hockaday said. “You are able to feed off of each other, you’re able to engage with each other. I do think it brings out even more expression, more happiness, more excitement.” Students of all backgrounds are welcome to come together during events like Paint and Dip to engage in conversations that celebrate the many backgrounds each person comes from and the ability everyone has to support and uplift one another’s heritage and sense of belonging.
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Academic Senate Jake Gregory / Roundup News
Black Wall Street
other. These gentlemen, I see them around campus, but we have different majors, different lifestyles, and social work, so we don’t really get to interact as much as we might like to,” Robinson said. “So the fact that we’re able to be in this moment, this space, this time, when there are people on the planet, a larger scope, is special. That is something that we can take hold of and just appreciate just being in that moment.” Some of the most harmonious works of art are made from a multitude of colors that work together to share space and blend with one other. Communities are made from that same action, sharing culture and appreciating what each other brings, A shared voice, a shared vision and a shared village.
Javier Ramirez / Roundup News
Men’s volleyball falls to Pirates Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News