The African American Heritage Committee (AAHC) was founded at the College of Southern Nevada with the mission of stimulating culture and educational awareness, as well as representing the social and political concerns of the students, faculty and staff of the African American and black communities. This committee works with CSN's Office of Inclusive Learning and Engagement to promote a culture of awareness and inclusivity and welcomes all individuals interested in learning about and supporting the African American and black cultures and communities.

Committee Chairs

• Racquel Melson, Chair 2020-2021
• Sherida Devine, Chair-Elect 2021-2022

Supporting Our Black/African American Community

CSN President Dr. Zaragoza's statement of unity: The tragic killing of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police has weighed heavily upon me. It was both disturbing and hurtful, as it was for so many in the CSN family. The incident, captured on video, caused many people in minority and non-minority communities to exercise their constitutional right to protest, and others to reflect on the persistence of racism in America.  

At CSN, we not only accept our diverse population, we embrace it. CSN is a majority minority institution and our diversity defines us as a college. Indeed, diversity is one of the primary values that shape our decisions and drives our mission to “empower our students and communities to achieve, succeed, and prosper.” To our Black students, faculty, staff, and community, I proudly stand with you in solidarity along with the rest of our CSN colleagues and community residents, who again call for justice and equality for all regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. At CSN, we strive to be a beacon of hope, a pathway to prosperity, and an instrument for enlightened social justice and equality.

- President Dr. Zaragoza

We each have the responsibility to denounce bigotry and defend the most vulnerable. Any forms of discrimination against our students, faculty, and staff will not be tolerated at CSN. The following are resources for CSN students, faculty, and staff:

• CSN students are encouraged to join the Black Student Union and follow CSNBSU on Instagram.
• The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) secures the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.
• American Civil Liberties Union works to educate on the most pressing civil liberties issues of our time and what you can do including knowing your rights.
• CSN faculty and staff are encouraged to join the African American Heritage Committee.
• CSN Office of Institutional Equity & Title IX - Instances of discrimination should be reported immediately to the Office of Institutional Equity & Title IX where reports will be investigated and further action will be determined.

Please know that CSN will continue to support our students, faculty, and staff.