Black American Awareness Committee (BAAC)

The BAAC, formerly the African American History Month Committee, is dedicated to bringing awareness of Black American experiences and addressing issues affecting the lives and culture of Black Americans. The committee is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment and treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

"Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from fiction."  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Based on Collin College's core values of dignity and respect and the Black American Awareness Committee's purpose to preserve, promote, and share information about the Black American experience, this statement serves as notice of our efforts to actively engage our students and community with a safe space to share issues and concerns impacting this population as they reflect our society. We have a responsibility to be part of the solution, to challenge bias, and to engage in conversations focused on dignity & respect for all individuals. The goal of this committee is to suggest, encourage, and participate in events and discussions that recognize and celebrate Black achievement and address issues affecting Black people's lives and culture. Additionally, we strive to provide an educational and personal awareness of how racial injustice has hindered the potential life experience and opportunities afforded to the Black American community. As such, the Black American Awareness Committee (BAAC) seeks to educate and learn based on our rich history.

Furthermore, this committee aims to provide various events and forums regarding advocacy and community involvement necessary to promote social awareness, change, and justice.  Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. has been paraphrased as saying, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." In this spirit, we hope that, as an institution of higher education, the constraints placed on Black Americans are acknowledged and addressed in ways that ensure the continued growth of Collin College's excellence.  

The 2024 - 2025 Black American Awareness Committee (BAAC) Leads are as follows:

Professor Cathy Donald-Whitney, District Chair - McKinney Campus Lead 

Rachel D. Walker, District Secretary - Plano Campus Lead

Dean Michelle Buggs - McKinney Campus Lead

Professor Bishnu Dhakal - Wylie Campus Lead

Professor Joe Jaynes - Allen Technical Campus Lead

Associate Dean Pamela Lee - Celina Campus Lead

Professor Tracey McKenzie - Frisco Campus Lead

Professor Carolyn Perry - Plano Campus Lead

Professor Christopher Redgraves - Frisco Campus Lead

Professor Eun Reeder - Wylie Campus Lead

Professor Candace Cooper Reese - iCollin Lead

Auturo Roberts - Allen Technical Campus Lead

Professor Mohammed Tahiro - Wylie Campus Lead