大象视频

大象视频 (RCC) welcomed more than 200 students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members to its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch, a meaningful gathering centered on reflection, dialogue and action in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.鈥檚 enduring legacy.

The program featured a powerful keynote by Edward C. Bush, Ph.D., former RCC vice president of student affairs, whose return to campus was both personal and impactful. Bush challenged attendees to critically examine how society conditions individuals into submission and complacency, urging them to step out of learned patterns and engage courageously in moments that demand leadership and resistance.

Prior to the keynote, RCC Umoja students played a central role in welcoming attendees and opening the program, offering remarks and a prayer that set the tone for the day. The opportunity allowed students to lead the community in reflection, underscoring RCC鈥檚 commitment to student voice, leadership development and experiential learning.

The event opened with remarks from Riverside Community College District Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D., who emphasized that honoring Dr. King requires action, not symbolism.

鈥淭his brunch is not just an event on our calendar, it is a statement of who we are and what we value,鈥� said Isaac. 鈥淩emembrance must be active, reflection must lead to action and community is built when we intentionally come together with a shared purpose.鈥�

RCC Interim President Eric Bishop, Ed.D., echoed this message, underscoring the continued relevance of Dr. King鈥檚 work.

鈥淒r. King understood that progress requires discipline, courage and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right,鈥� said Bishop. 鈥淗is legacy challenges us not to admire change from a distance, but to participate in it fully and responsibly.鈥�

Following the event, campus leaders reflected on the impact of the program and its importance to RCC鈥檚 equity-centered mission.

鈥淲hat stood out most was how deeply engaged our students were, not just as attendees, but as leaders,鈥� said Lorena Newson, Ed.D., dean of college equity, inclusion and engagement. 鈥淓vents like this create space for honest dialogue, reflection and growth, while reinforcing our responsibility to equip students with the confidence and skills to use their voices.鈥�

Herbert 鈥淗erb鈥� English, dean of counseling and specially funded programs, emphasized the significance of the themes raised during the keynote. 鈥淒r. Bush鈥檚 message challenged us to think critically about how systems shape behavior and how courage is required to disrupt that conditioning,鈥� said English. 鈥淭he conversations that followed made it clear that students are ready to engage, question and lead.鈥�

Thomas Cruz-Soto, Ed.D., dean of student services, highlighted the broader impact on students. 鈥淭his event exemplified what student-centered engagement looks like,鈥� said Cruz-Soto. 鈥淔rom students opening the program to the dialogue sparked afterward, the MLK Brunch reinforced that our students are not only learning about leadership, they are actively practicing it.鈥�

Bush also reflected on his time at RCC, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to return to a campus that continues to prioritize equity, student success and community engagement, sentiments warmly received by attendees.

RCC鈥檚 MLK Brunch remains a cornerstone event for the College, bringing together voices across campus and community to honor Dr. King鈥檚 vision through dialogue, leadership and continued commitment to justice and dignity for all.