‘Just because we’re less than 3% doesn’t mean to forget us’
By Aadi Mehta, February 24, 2026
Celebrated every February, Black History Month seeks to honor icons and champions of Black identity, but this year, Zakkoyya Lewis-Trammell, a kinesiology professor and faculty director for Cal Poly Pomona’s Black Achievement Success & Engagement in Science (BASES) program, shared her traditions, experiences and advice for Black students.
“Black History Month is a brief moment, only 28 days, of celebration and acknowledgment,” said Lewis-Trammell, who is currently the only Black tenured professor in the College of Science. “On a campus where Black students make up less than 3%, it’s an opportunity to focus on the contributions and excellence that are too often overlooked.”
Lewis-Trammell said Black people are a minority at CPP, and Black History Month is a way to showcase what every Black individual has contributed to society.
“It’s tricky,” Lewis-Trammell said. “There frankly aren’t a lot of Black Ph.D.s out there, especially in STEM, but I do think we could be more targeted and intentional in our hiring efforts.”
Lewis-Trammell has surrounded herself with Black culture before and during her time at CPP. During her undergraduate years, she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., one of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities at Loyola Marymount University. At CPP, in addition to being a faculty member for seven years, she has also been involved with the BASES program since its inception.
“The BASES program was created to support first-time Black freshmen on campus, providing them an opportunity to learn with and from other students who identify as Black or are invested in Black excellence,” Lewis-Trammell said.
Students who have taken Lewis-Trammell’s classes said her teaching reinforces inclusivity and representation in both large and small ways.
“She’s intentional about representation, even in small things like the examples and images she uses,” said BASES mentor and computer science student Britney Collier. “It makes the classroom feel more inclusive.”
Black faculty make up 4% of full professors, evenly split at 2% each between men and women, according to the American Sociological Association.
When comparing faculty at colleges and universities, Black Americans are represented at only 6% nationwide, according to the association, even though they make up about 13% of the U.S. population.
“Being a Black faculty member at a predominantly non-Black institution means you’re often carrying both your scholarship and the responsibility of representation,” said Gyasmine George-Williams, an assistant professor of kinesiology.
Lewis-Trammell said she has lived through underrepresentation throughout her professional career, including in her own STEM field.
“When I stop to think about the key figures in my space, I frankly can’t think of a single Black person,” Lewis-Trammell said. “Although when I go to conferences, we are represented, just in smaller numbers.”
When she first came to CPP in 2019, Lewis-Trammell said Black History Month events were more visible across campus. She specifically said the Black Resource Center was more active and forward-facing. However, in recent years she said changes in leadership and priorities have led to a decline in recognition.
“When I first started, Black History Month was very, very visible,” Lewis-Trammell said. “It’s not doomed from lack of effort, but institutional investment has to match that effort.”
Lewis-Trammell said Black History Month is not about elevating one group above others but about recognizing Black culture and identity in an ever-changing world. This commitment, she said, is present in her lectures.
“I very mindfully ensure that the photos I choose show a diverse population, not just white faces, but Black and Hispanic and Asian,” Lewis-Trammell said. “It’s a small example of acknowledging that minorities are still present.”
Looking ahead, Lewis-Trammell said the long-term focus should be equity, ensuring systems are in place so everyone has an equal opportunity.
She said it is important for Black students to know that campus spaces like BASES and the BRC exist to provide students with support and connection.
“Just because we’re less than 3% doesn’t mean to forget us,” Lewis-Trammell said.
