The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) proudly announces that all four of its colleges – Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College – have been designated as Black-Serving Institutions (BSI), a state recognition for colleges and universities that demonstrate excellence in supporting Black and African American students.
Tammeil Gilkerson, the District Chancellor, was a strong advocate for SB 1348, signed into California law in 2024, which created the Black Serving Institute designation. She noted, “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. During the Fall 2025 semester, 19.4% of students at the Peralta Colleges identify as Black. This statistic is not just a number; it reflects our ongoing need for creating and sustaining educational environments where Black students can excel.”
The designation was awarded on December 8, 2025, to 31 institutions statewide, including the four Peralta Colleges, UC Berkeley and UC Davis, three CSU campuses, 21 other community colleges, and one private university.
“I am excited for our College and our students! Thanks to all that supported this effort and I look forward to developing the ecosystem outlined in our Student Equity and Achievement program,” said College of Alameda President Melanie Dixon.
“This designation recognizes your leadership and longstanding commitment to advancing Black student success, equity, and belonging within higher education,” said BJ Snowden, Ed.D., Interim Executive Director of the CSU Central Office for Advancement of Black Student Success, the administrator of the BSI program. “Your institution’s work has helped to shape a more just and responsive educational landscape for Black students across California, and we are deeply appreciative of your ongoing efforts.”
Being officially acknowledged as Black-Serving Institutions reflects years of intentional work across the District, including culturally responsive curriculum development, strengthened community partnerships, and expanded student support services. It celebrates Peralta’s commitment to creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments that empower all students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. This achievement reflects our dedication to educational equity and the sustained efforts required to remove barriers and support student success from enrollment to completion.
“This designation is not only a reflection of our student demographics, but the result of our commitment to ensure that Black students are adequately supported and affirmed throughout their academic journey,” said Merritt College President David M. Johnson. “I appreciate our faculty, classified staff members, and administrators -- working together for our students every day to make this possible.”
Laney College Interim President Becky Opsata commented, “It’s an honor to receive this designation, and I’m grateful for the recognition. Laney College has been intentional and focused in our support for Black students including our thriving Umoja-UBAKA program and our newer A2MEND program.”
“I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all our faculty, classified staff, and administrators. Your daily dedication and collaborative efforts have made this recognition possible," said Berkeley City College President Denise Richardson. “BCC is proud to welcome the A2Mend Program to the Society of Scholars Learning Communities this Fall. The addition of the A2Mend program along with the thriving Umoja Community at BCC aligns with the strategic goal to scale up academic and wraparound services, offering dedicated embedded counseling, book support, identity-affirming events, leadership development, and culturally relevant pedagogy.”
Chancellor Gilkerson noted, “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. In January, we will receive additional information about the designation, expectations and opportunities associated with BSI status, and resources to support our continued work. “
In the meantime, all four colleges are now enrolling for Spring 2026, offering a wide range of academic programs and support services that help students not just enroll, but learn to love their future. The Peralta Colleges welcome all students to apply or enroll and join us in our continued efforts to build opportunities where every individual can succeed and thrive.
Many thanks to Tom Rizza and Jasmine Bledsoe for contributing to this article.
