Tahirah Simpson, Guided Pathways Task Force Faculty Leader at SBVC, was one of 30 guest speakers selected to participate in CSUSB’s inaugural event “Essential Conversations: African American Men” this spring. Simpson joined the conversation to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in the college sphere, and how instructors should continue to emphasize these initiatives beyond receiving tenure with their campuses. The event aimed to highlight racial inequalities Black men face in academics, the workforce, everyday life, and how people of color have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in various communities across California.