Tag Archives: student engagement

Chop it Up Tuesdays

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Chop it Up Tuesdays is where African American students and staff meet to discuss the culture and community. The meeting starts at noon in the Black Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) in bldg. 100 room 136. Although the topics discussed are primarily about African American culture, all are welcome to attend and participate.

LaKesha Stewart hosted the meeting. She is the program coordinator for the BCRC. “This is an open space where students can freely select a topic to discuss every Tuesday. This is a part of the Umoja program’s active Live Learning initiative. Our aim is for Chop it Up to serve as a useful tool for fostering a sense of community among students while promoting awareness of current events in the Black community,” said Stewart.

The topic for this week was splitting the bill, whether it’s on a date or just hanging out with friends and family at a restaurant. The attendees were very engaged once the subject was introduced. Though the conversation got loud, it never turned confrontational.

“If I’m out with friends and they order Steak and Lobster, and I ordered chicken strips, you better believe I’m only paying for what I ordered,” said Chabot College student Chris Hardict.

At every meeting, attendees are offered complimentary food and beverages. First-time attendees are expected to introduce themselves to the regular members. Following introductions, the group collectively selects a topic and votes on it. The winning topic is then written on the board by Ms. Stewart.

“I enjoy spending time at the BCRC. It’s great to see so many people come together and discuss a wide range of topics. It’s also wonderful to be a part of a community where we share our thoughts and ideas. Best of all, this space is open to everyone.” said Chabot College student Anita Daniels, who enjoys spending time at the BCRC.

Some students have been attending Chop it Up Tuesdays since 2022. “When I first came here, I didn’t expect it to be anything. I just wanted to meet new people, but I love the conversations here,” said Chabot College student Tsega Yizengaw.

Chop it Up Tuesdays began in the Fall of 2021 to warmly greet students returning to the BCRC Space.

Chabot College’s Gladiator Day: A Roaring Success with Over 200 Student Attendees

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Gladiator Day was held on Aug. 24 from noon to 1 p.m., with over 200 students attending. The event was located between bldg. 700 and 800. Gladiator Day raises awareness of what all Chabot has to offer and encourages students to sign up for clubs and get involved.

Students packed for Gladiator Day.

There were games, free food, clubs, and performers like R&B artist Deli God, T.O.A, The Original Artist, poet Pap1, Grand3, and the K-pop Club. Hosted by L.J. the DJ from KCRH, and Khalil Canlis from the Student Senate. The event is where students come out to celebrate, engage, and join the clubs on campus. The Student Senate sponsored the event.

Up-and-coming R&B artists like Deli God were one of the performers. He expressed his gratitude by performing a song for Chabot College.

Artist Deligod performs for the crowd

“Shout out to Chabot for letting me perform. I’m glad the campus and KCRH showed me some love. I really hope my music touches someone,” said Deli God.

 Multiple clubs attended and had tables, including the Engineer Club, Nesian Unite, Revolutionaries Advocating for Greener Ecosystems, and more. Gladiator Day is when clubs gain new members. My Sisters Keepers Is a leadership support group for young African American Women. Yetunde Osikomaiya is the counselor and instructor of the group.

 “For Gladiator Day, I’m happy to see clubs representing what all they have to offer, and new faces,” said Osikomaiya

In addition to the clubs, Chabot had tables for different services, programs, and academic departments to support students. These included El Centro, Counseling Advocacy Resources Emotion Support, Chabot Library, FRESH Food Pantry, Disabled Student Program Services, Restorative Integrated Self-Education, TRIO, and more.

LJ-The DJ provided the music for gladiator day as well as the performer.

Some clubs provided games like giving out a bingo card where students had to have 12 clubs sign their cards in order for them to have free lunch. Before the clubs sign the student’s card, they were given information about the club.

Another game that was provided by the Dean of Language Arts, Paul Pina M.S was a game called Wordle. It’s a game where a student must use a five-letter word. Pina wrote down the word, and then you had six attempts to guess the word on each of them. If you win the game, the prizes are pens, a water bottle, and or a book bag.

Gladiator Day was a great opportunity where students can get involved and learn about clubs, programs, and services provided to them. Students coming back for their first semester on campus after summer have something to look forward to in this fall event. 

“This and the carnival the UMOJA hosts every February are the events I look forward to. For me, I look forward to meeting new people, great music, and food. The performers did a good job. It’s great to see staff and students enjoying themselves.” said student Tyhrell Baker.

Gladiator Day turned out to be a great event that provided a sense of belongingness for students, by meeting new people, joining clubs, or just enjoying the friendly atmosphere.

 A complete list of clubs can be found on the Chabot website.

https://www.chabotcollege.edu/student-services/student-life/student-clubs/list.php