BY SINDY SALMERON
CHRONICLE STAFF
On Friday, Feb. 4, Cypress College hosted its first virtual event to celebrate Black History Month.
The Keynote Speaker of the event was Dr. Joy Degruy an educator, social researcher, and author of the book “Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing.”
In her presentation, Degruy talked about how the belief that African Americans were genetically inherently inferior to white individuals has resulted in Multigenerational Oppression Of Africans and their descendants.
“Multigenerational trauma, Intergenerational trauma that’s not new. The only thing that is new is I decided not to have to ask anybody for permission to look at black people “ said Dr. Degruy
During her presentation, Deguy used a series of quotes from Malcolm X, Thurgood Marshall, and other historical figures. Also personal accounts, and a series of images to explain the history of chattel slavery and highlighted how numerous institutions have perpetuated racism.
“Secrets make you sick, “ said Dr. Degruy.
“When you tell a lie you have to keep up with that lie because you don’t want to be found out, you don’t want to be exposed so you always have to prep others for the lie and you have to understand that a lot of lies have been told about people of color in particular people of African descent, “ said Degruy.
Degruy also emphasized that this is a really critical time in history and individuals need to decide on which side of history they want to be on.
“I think we are at the precipice of change, ” said Degruy.
After the presentation individuals got the chance to ask Degruy questions. One of the attendees to the virtual event asked Degruy about what the next steps are to make things better.
“When people know better they do better, first we have to educate ourselves and we have to insist that we hold people accountable for that knowledge,” said Degruy.
Students can learn more about Black history month by visiting the library where they can find a list of books and DVDs that can be checked out, as well as other resources.
https://www.cypresscollege.edu/academics/divisions-special-programs/librarylrc/library/
Additional events scheduled with zoom links provided closer to the dates of the events:
Feb. 16 Passing Novel and Movie discussion, 5:30- 7:00 p.m
Feb. 21 “Soul” Healing through Yoga, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m
Feb. 24 A day of Expression Maha Afra 10- 11:30 a.m