Black History month is allocated to commemorate the many achievements and contributions that African-Americans have made to society.

It is a time to celebrate leaders in the black community as well as the hardships that were faced. Out of approximately 22,669 students on the Fresno City College campus, about 8 percent of those students identify as being African-American. As such, it is vital that students understand the pioneering achievements made to give them the opportunities they currently have. Professional and driven women are a vital part of our campus; women who transcended barriers to achieve success.

Dr. Carolyn Drake, Dean of Health Sciences

Dr. Carolyn Drake has been a trailblazer for most of her life. Aside from being one of the first black women to be a nursing aide at a hospital in Orrville, Ohio in the 1960s, Drake is also the first and only black woman to be featured on Fresno State’s Honor Wall thus far.

Growing up, Drake grew to value and respect other black professionals and sought their counsel. Their advice motivated her to continue on the path of success. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing supervision at California State University, Fresno.

She then went on to receive a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Southern California and became the dean of the health sciences division at Fresno City College in 1994. She now seeks to mentor younger students to give them the opportunity that she was given.

“Education and building relationships are how you combat racism,” said Dr. Drake.

Dr. Drake said she often reminds herself of the National Association for Colored Women’s adage: “Lift as We Climb.” She believes this motto sets the tone for what is necessary to accomplish success in the community, and signifies that black women could not rise without the improvement of the entire race.

She lives her life in accordance with the motto and works with the Black Nurses Association to help recruit, retain and enrich others to nurture success in the community. Additionally, she engages in interviews, seminars and serves on boards to inspire younger blacks that it is possible to rise above racial obstacles.

She attributes much of her success to the mentors who guided her and helped her settle into her role. She advises students to find mentors, stating that guidance is key to much success.

“It is difficult, but not insurmountable,” said Drake. “Your strength is in your mentors, colleagues and family.”

Monquie Kelley, Business Instructor

Monique Kelley is a single mother of two children, an accounting instructor at FCC, and a participant in the National Association of Black Accountants. In 2010, she also served as the interim dean for the business department.

Kelley graduated from the historically black Morris Brown College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She went on to Georgia State University where she earned her Masters of Professional Accountancy.

Kelley worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers – one of the largest accounting firms in the country – before becoming an instructor at FCC. She discovered that teaching was her true calling, as she enjoys making a difference and helping to be a part of people’s dreams.

Like many black women, though, she is no stranger to overcoming racism to get where she is today.

In 1992, while studying for the CPA exam with a group of black students, Kelley was refused service at a Columbus, Ga. Denny’s. This eventually led to a discrimination lawsuit against Denny’s.

“Choose your battles. You can’t change people,” said Kelly. “If you fight every time you’re discriminated against, you’d be fighting all the time. You’ll know in your gut when it is time to act.”

Kelley advises young black students to seek black professionals as a support system. She said that students should learn to motivate themselves, but to remember that it is alright to depend on others.

She said, “Do your best and let God take care of the rest.”

Dr. Jothany Blackwood, Dean of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts

Dr. Jothany Blackwood doesn’t allow race to define her, but she remains aware of the pressures and struggles that accompany it.

A third-generation college dean with a passion for English, Blackwood received her education at Tennessee State University and California State University, Fresno. She eventually held administrative and teaching positions at several colleges including the historically black Fisk University, Fresno Pacific and San Joaquin Valley College, before becoming dean at FCC.

The Tennessee native was raised in a primarily black community where she developed a strong sense of identity that fostered her willingness to face whatever obstacles came her way. Blackwood learned to possess confidence in herself and pride in being a black woman.

She was surrounded by middle-class black professionals who served to instill strength and determination within her. This determination led her through dropping out of Spelman College, waitressing and singing blues in Chicago, to becoming the dean of the fine, performing and communication arts division in 2006.

It hasn’t necessarily been an easy road for her as she worked her way up to success. She said she has faced both overt and subtle racism throughout her life. However, she has noticed more during her time in California.

She recounted interactions with a previous co-worker that was a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Instead of engaging the blatantly racist remarks of her co-worker, she found a point of connection: their southern roots. In doing so, both parties realized that a bond could be formed over a similarity that they shared.

Blackwood advises students to find a mentor that they can learn from. She also encourages students to resist feelings of failure, because the beauty of life is that you get to start again.

“You have the ability to write your own story. You have everything you need to succeed and do what you want,” said Dr. Blackwood. “If people could survive slavery, then you could survive midterms.”