Dear community member,
February is Black History Month, and in 2026, it carries special meaning. This year marks a century since the first national Black History Week was established in 1926, a milestone reflected in the national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
Here in Santa Cruz County, Black history is not only something we study. It is something our students and our community are building right now. Through the Countywide Black Student Union (BSU), students across high school campuses are creating safe, supportive spaces for connection, cultural awareness, and leadership.
This year, BSU students organized Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events, marched alongside the NAACP of Santa Cruz County at the front of the 2026 MLK March for the Dream, participated in UCSC’s Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, and are continuing to expand their impact through countywide collaboration, including student-led efforts to address racial slurs and bias in schools. In fact, tomorrow a number of BSU students are attending the Oakland Black College Expo to explore pathways into higher education through HBCUs, UCs and other exceptional programs.
Black History Month is also a reminder of the responsibility we carry as educators and community members, as recognized in the County Board of Education’s recent resolution. When anti-Black hate rises in schools and society, our response has to be more than words. And when our national discourse sinks to new lows—such as the vile, racist video recently amplified through White House social media channels—it painfully unmasks how blatant racism is still normalized in public life. As educators, our response must be consistent support, strong partnerships, and student-centered action, not only in February, but all year long.
To support schools, educators, and families, we invite you to explore Santa Cruz COE’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which includes resources and tools to help strengthen belonging, deepen learning, and respond to harm with clarity and care.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools