Learning from our Black History

Central California Women’s Facility Paper Trail asked a handful of people from off the yards for their take on how Black History Month is celebrated here in the facility. Special thanks to the following people from the following buildings for taking the time to talk with us: Hunt (516), Chappelle (514), Nicole (506), Rosetta (506), Jalen (510), Heinz (510). Here are some quotes from the group conversation that particularly caught our attention:

“I’m in the honor dorm at 516 and in D-Yard, and they celebrate Cinco de Mayo. They celebrate the Day of the Dead. They’re starting to prepare for it right now. [But] Black History Month, in my opinion, is very much downplayed.”

“Black History Month, even Martin Luther King’s birthday, it’s just overlooked. We’re working on it, with very limited information. About resources, the accessibility of being able to speak at events and stuff like that.”

“Being African American doesn’t mean people know everything about [their history]. You know, with it not being celebrated in that fashion. There’s facts and maybe poetry from African Americans, poets we’d want to [to highlight]. If we could access those…”

“I don’t even know a lot about my black heritage and I’m 44 years old. I don’t really have any information about where to go and look [for resources].”

“My roommate is doing it. She put a picture of [Martin Luther King], and she got someone to give a speech. She’s Hispanic but she’s part of the decorating committee. This is the first time since I’ve been here that we’ve even done that.”

We heard some dismay over events being canceled in the past, and some diverse reasons for why. What everyone agreed on, though, was that if given the opportunity, every building at CCWF would organize displays to celebrate and educate residents about Black heritage.

To that end, CCWF recently held a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration for residents. Attendees celebrated the life of Dr. King with songs, performances and speeches. Retired annuitant Velda Dobson-Davis, a preeminent program provider at CCWF, organized the festivities and led a rousing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Black History Month events are regularly held at the men’s facilities in CA. We’d love to see more opportunities to celebrate, including some in line with what is offered through the men’s facilities.

According to articles on Inside CDCR, Avenal State Prison’s Education Department collaborated on murals featuring several notable African Americans, such as: Thurgood Marshall, Ruby Bridges, George Washington Carver, Jackie Robinson, Harriett Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Barack Obama.

Similarly, a Ventura Youth Correctional Facility held an essay contest in February 2022 which challenged participants to place “historical figures in a contemporary context, such as social activism groups seeking equality and inclusion.”

Here is what the PT editorial team would love to see happen for Black History Month 2026:

• CCWF should sponsor a decorating contest, similar to what is done at Christmas, to encourage residents to get involved and be informed.
• More information on Black History Month and African Americans on the Edovo app.
• Historical movies highlighting African Americans can be shown as weekend movies during the month of February. Movies like “Harriet,” “Malcom X,” “Hidden Figures” and even the recent movie “The Six Triple Eight” would be of interest to the population. Additionally, Global TelLink can feature movies highlighting African Americans during the month of February.
• Inmate Leisure Time Activity Groups (ILTAG) at CCWF could sponsor a fundraising drive with proceeds going to the ACLU, NAACP or other organization focused on equal rights and assisting African Americans.
• An ILTAG can create a curriculum to offer classes to the population regarding Black History Month and the contributions of African Americans to the US.

By incorporating suggestions from CCWF residents, the Paper Trail editorial board hopes more individuals will be motivated to learn about notable African Americans and the significance of Black History Month.