Collin College

2023 African American History Month Theme:

Black Resistance, Grit, Faith, and Perseverance

The Collin College Black American Awareness Committee (BAAC) worked hard at developing educational, interactive events and programs that tie to the 2023 national theme - Black Resistance.

Black American Awareness Committee (BAAC)

The Collin College Black American Awareness Committee (BAAC), formerly the African American History Month Committee, is dedicated to bringing awareness of Black American experiences and addressing issues affecting the lives and culture of Black Americans. This committee's primary focus is to intentionally create an inclusive environment where critical conversations about issues of race/ethnicity, equity, and justice can occur.

Based on Collin College’s core values of dignity and respect and the Black American Awareness Committee’s purpose to preserve, promote, and share information about the Black American experience, this statement serves as notice of our efforts to actively engage our students and community with a safe space to share issues and concerns impacting this population as they reflect our society. We have a responsibility to be part of the solution, to challenge bias, and to engage in conversations of equity and justice. The goal of this committee is to suggest, encourage, and participate in events and discussions that recognize and celebrate black achievement and to address issues affecting the lives and culture of black people. Additionally, we strive to provide an educational and personal awareness of how racial injustice has hindered the potential life experience and opportunities afforded to the Black American community. As such, the Black American Awareness Committee (BAAC) seeks to acknowledge and condemn systematic racism that has been embedded in various institutions in our society and experienced daily. Furthermore, this committee seeks to provide various events and forums regarding advocacy and community involvement necessary to promote social awareness, change, and justice.   

Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. has been paraphrased in saying, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”  In this spirit, we hope that as an institution of higher education, the constraints placed on Black Americans are acknowledged and addressed in ways that ensure the continued growth of Collin College excellence. 

The 2022 - 2023 Black American Awareness Committee (BAAC) Leads are as follows:

Professor Cathy Donald-Whitney, District Chair - McKinney Campus Lead 

Rachel D. Walker, District Secretary - Plano Campus Lead

Associate Dean Michelle Buggs - McKinney Campus Lead

Professor Bishnu Dhakal - Wylie Campus Lead

Professor Joe Jaynes - Allen Technical Campus Lead

Associate Dean Pamela Lee - Celina Campus Lead

Professor Tracey McKenzie - Frisco Campus Lead

Professor Carolyn Perry - Plano Campus Lead

Auturo Roberts - Allen Technical Campus Lead

Professor Mohammed Tahiro - Wylie Campus Lead