On Thursday, May 1, 2025, on a glorious spring day in Oakland, we kicked off “Smile Season” and the month-long celebration of student successes throughout the district. Following the tradition of Libations by Kimm Blackwell, Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson warmly welcomed attendees to the Peralta Association of African American Affairs (PAAAA) Scholarship Awardee Reception, expressing her joy in celebrating the extraordinary student scholars. She began by acknowledging and thanking the PAAAA Scholarship Committee for their dedication in making the event possible.

Dr. Gilkerson emphasized that the scholars' excellence stems not only from intellect but also from "courage, resilience... and purpose." She highlighted the African proverb, "wisdom is like a baobab tree; no individual can embrace it," noting that the scholars embody this truth through their reliance on community, service, and determination.

She then briefly honored several scholars by name, including Jaden Grizzle for mastering calculus while serving her community, Vanessa Foreman for her advocacy for marginalized students, Jamal Hamilton for his focused return to college, Christopher Dalton for his academic achievements despite hardship, and Jayla Flores for demonstrating how the discipline of sport enhances personal and academic growth.

Drawing inspiration from the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," (which had just been sung by all attendees, conducted by Frederick Jackson), Dr. Gilkerson connected the scholars to the "rising sun of our new day begun," declaring, "You scholars are the rising sun, you are the dreams realized, and we your community are deeply proud and grateful for the opportunity to be on this journey with you."

She ended her welcoming comments by encouraging the scholars to "continue to embrace your brilliance and carry others with you because when we lift one, we lift all." She offered her congratulations and expressed her honor in celebrating their achievements.

Awards were presented by the college presidents, Dr. Denise Richardson from Berkeley City College, President Melanie Dixon from College of Alameda, Dr. Becky Opsata from Laney College, and Dr. David M. Johnson from Merritt College. Recipients included:

• Jaden Grizzle (Berkeley City College)
• Vanessa I. Foreman (Berkeley City College)
• Jamal Hamilton (College of Alameda)
• Christopher Dalton (Laney College)
• Shakon Miller, Jr. (Laney College)
• Tamara Copes (Laney College)
• Jayla-Marie Flores (Merritt College)

Recipients of the Celestina Nsingang Mbianda International Award included:

• Luwam Gebrezgiabhier (Berkeley City College)
• Alvin Adandono (Laney College)

Dr. Dela Morris from the Oakland chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) presented the NAACP Award to Mr. Xanthony Chisley of Laney College.

Merritt College President Dr. David M. Johnson emphasized the significance of the evening, highlighting that it was special not only for celebrating the students' achievements but also for "affirming our cultural roots." He stressed the importance of valuing the opportunity to be in community, especially given the current climate.

Dr. Johnson pointed out that the achievements of the students, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college, are noteworthy and should not be taken for granted. He urged the attendees to "persist with our heads held high and our eyes clear and our hearts full," encouraging them to "keep shining."

Mr. Douglass Cobb, the chair of the PAAAA scholarship committee, shared a moving story illustrating the work that Peralta Colleges employees do to help students, and particularly celebrating the work done by Merritt College Women’s Basketball Coach Armond Gray and other coaches who go above and beyond in their service to students in our community.

Many thanks to the PAAAA team that hosted the reception, including:

• Dr. Lawrence VanHook
• Douglass Cobb
• Edwin Ochong
• Hope Lane
• La Shawn Brumfield
• Rose Allen
• Doris Hankins
• Fred Jackson
• Adrienne Riley
• Kimm Blackwell
• Andrea M. Williams
• Carlos McLean
• Shirley Coaston
• Carolyn J. Martin

Dr. VanHook and the Committee also thanked Ramona Butler, a longtime PAAAA member and PCCD employee who will soon be retiring. Professor Carolyn J. Martin commented, “Ramona, your warmth at BCC has really lifted spirits...I thank you for everything you have done for students, for faculty, and for everybody at BCC.”

More photos of the reception can be found on SmugMug here.