Seattle Central students attend 25th Students of Color Conference
More than 40 Seattle Central students joined 700 of their peers from community colleges across the state for the 25th Annual Washington State Students of Color Conference in Yakima last month. The three-day conference gave students the opportunity to discuss topics including ethnic and racial identity development, academic success, social justice and intercultural communications. The trip was sponsored by Student Leadership and Multicultural Services.
The theme of this year’s conference was “moments to movement,” and students heard from speakers about past struggles against prejudice and what could be learned from them. Students also attended workshops led by fellow-students and local leaders on subjects like taking initiative, identifying as mixed-race and much more.
“The atmosphere was incredible and everyone was so open. The workshop on being mixed was a bonding experience since it connected me with other people who have similar experiences as me,” said Michaela Abueg, who is half-white and half-Filipino. “The experience definitely made me more confident and proud of who I am.”
Seattle Central President Dr. Paul Killpatrick joined the presidents of other state community colleges in signing a proclamation recognizing April 23 as “Students of Color Conference 25th Anniversary Day.”