As Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District, I am excited to endorse California Senate Bill SB 1348, which proposes a state-level designation for Black-Serving Institutions of Higher Education. This bill is a critical step toward recognizing and supporting the significant role that institutions like ours play in serving Black students and fostering their success.

Our incredibly diverse district in the East Bay includes Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College. Over 30% of our students identify as Latinx, and all four colleges are either designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) or are on the path to that designation. 20.8% identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander, again with our colleges designated as Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) or on that path. The HSI and AANAPISI designations and resulting grants allow our colleges to support these historically marginalized communities with programs tailored specifically for these student cohorts.

Frustratingly, there is no such designation for Black-Serving Institutions. And there should be. Research shows Black students face unique challenges in their educational journey. They are more likely to delay attending college after high school, more likely to attend college part-time, less likely to earn a degree, and more likely to take on a more significant amount of student debt than other student groups.  Collectively, 19.1% of students at the Peralta Colleges identify as Black, surpassing the 10% enrollment threshold required by SB 1348. This statistic is not just a number; it reflects our ongoing need for creating and sustaining educational environments where Black students can excel.

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Merritt College, in particular, holds a significant place in this narrative. It was here, nearly 60 years ago, that the Black Panther Party was founded, a pivotal moment in the history of social justice and equity movements. Our commitment to these values continues to be a cornerstone of our mission. Our specialized programs, such as Umoja and Sankofa, are a testament to this commitment. They are designed to provide tailored resources and a nurturing academic environment for Black students, echoing the spirit of the Black Panther Party’s founding.

SB 1348 is more than a legislative measure; it acknowledges the vital contributions of institutions that serve Black students with excellence. By recognizing the Peralta Colleges as Black-Serving Institutions, we can better align state resources with our efforts to support and uplift our students. This designation will validate our colleges’ hard work and enhance our ability to provide targeted support and opportunities. Our community has a rich history from the founding of the Black Panther Party to the appointment of California’s first Black chancellor in a multi-college district (Dr. Donald Godbold, hired in 1980). However, there is more work to be done to fulfill our mission of advancing social and economic transformation for Black students in the Bay Area. We encourage policymakers and stakeholders to take an active role in supporting SB 1348. This bill is not just a legislative measure; it’s a beacon of hope. It is an opportunity for each of us to reaffirm our commitment to Black excellence and equity in education and to ensure that institutions like Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College continue to flourish and support the Black students who are integral to our communities and our future.

Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson

Chancellor, Peralta Community College District

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