Guest Opinion | Steve Gibson, PCC Trustee: Why I support James Aragon for PCC Trustee

Pasadena City College this year will celebrate its 100 year anniversary and for 98 of those years (until the present) the majority of the board members have been white men. This dynamic changed drastically in 2022 when voters elected a minority majority board for the first time in PCC history.

Over the last two decades, PCC demographics have also changed, PCC students are minority majority (44 % Latino, 29 % Asian, 16 % White and 4 % Black). At the same time, graduation rates for Latino and Black students continue to be stagnant. Overall the average time for PCC students to graduate with a two year degree is six years. Latino and Black students are overwhelmingly part of this statistics.

Could the lack of racial and ethnic representation on the board, over the years, have contributed to the continuing achievement gaps of black and brown students? That is one question to ask. I do know that as a PCC board member, I need to ask tough questions and ensure accountability to our communities, especially our communities of color.

I also ask that all members of the establishment in Pasadena and the PCC District support the efforts and goals of the current minority-majority board. Now is the time for all local leaders to step up and contribute to making a difference to increase successful outcomes for Latino and Black students. These students can’t wait. Their families can’t wait and the community can’t wait.

This is why I support James Aragon for PCC Trustee- Area 2. James is a product of the California Community College system both as a student and a faculty. He has experienced the struggles and also the rewards of a college education. He credits community college with setting his life on the path to achievement and service. His desire to improve the success of students is the most important trait for a PCC Trustee to have.

If elected, James will be the only Latino on the board of trustees, and I have confidence that James will join us in moving PCC forward by serving PCC students and especially those most disenfranchised.

Steve Gibson is the PCC Board of Trustee member for Area 3 which represents Northwest Pasadena and Southwest Altadena. He was elected in June 2022.