BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Black History Month at Whatcom Community College was marked by both a recognition of progress and a call for more engagement on campus.
While institutions across Bellingham, including the Bellingham Public Library and the Pickford Film Center, scheduled events to honor Black history, WCC’s observance appeared minimal. The college’s events calendar listed only two events for February: “Talkin’ Stories – Historically Black Colleges & Universities,” which took place Feb. 10, and a basketball game celebrating Black History Month on Feb. 7.
“For Black students, these celebrations are more than just events — they affirm our presence and history,” said a WCC student who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s disappointing to see such little engagement from the college.”
Other institutions in the region, such as Western Washington University (WWU), took a more robust approach. WWU’s Black History Month programming included luncheons, workshops and cultural performances throughout February.
The Bellingham Public Library created special displays featuring books, films and music highlighting Black experiences, while the Pickford Film Center hosted a series of screenings featuring films by Black filmmakers, including director Spike Lee.
While some students have expressed frustration over the lack of formal events, the Black Student Union (BSU) has been actively working to bring Black history and culture to the forefront.
Icarus Brashear-Simmons, president of the BSU, shared their perspective on the situation.
“I think my answer is split a little bit as a student and citizen of Bellingham outside of the Whatcom campus,” Brashear-Simmons said. “I see what it takes to get those things done. I am very aware of how easy it would be to get those things done, so it does make me angry a lot of the time.”
Despite these challenges, the BSU has taken significant steps to celebrate and educate the campus community about Black history. Brashear-Simmons emphasized their commitment to creating meaningful programming.
“Me and my boss, who runs the Black Student Union, are bringing a lot of Black history and culture to the campus with the Talking Stories and the HBCU talks,” they said.
The BSU meets every Wednesday at 3 p.m. and has been a driving force behind initiatives to enhance cultural awareness. Looking ahead, the organization is planning a mini-Harlem Festival around Juneteenth, an event that promises to bring music, art, and historical reflection to the college.
While there is room for growth in WCC’s Black History Month programming, the efforts of student leaders like Brashear-Simmons showcase a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and engaged campus community. With ongoing initiatives and student advocacy, the conversation around Black history and culture at WCC continues to evolve.
