Contemplative Conversations

Damon has taught composition and literature at Cerritos College since 2010. An avid comic-book reader and a super-rap nerd, he draws on the deep democratic traditions strands of Hip Hop practices, comics, and film to bridge the gap between student experiences and academic culture. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of California, Riverside and a Master of Arts in English-Composition & Rhetoric from The Pennsylvania State University. From 2012-15, he became the advisor to the Black Student Union, as well as a mentor in the Puente Learning Community, an instructor in the UMOJA Success Program, and the chair of the Professional Relations committee. As coordinator of iFALCON Habits of Mind Student Success Strategy, he has worked to strengthen partnerships between local elementary & high schools, college students, faculty, programs, and academic resources across campus.

 

His work at Cerritos College strives to bring diversity and social awareness to the campus and to create pathways between the community, colleges, and universities. He is the faculty advisor to the Black Student Union. He is also the chairman and co-founder of the non-profit organization entitled Elevated Minds Embracing Righteousness and Gaining Equality (E.M.E.R.G.E.). E.M.E.R.G.E. is a community-based organization that serves youth in inner-city communities and their mission is to develop and produce future leaders of marginalized communities using Hip Hop as a tool to raise social awareness and to affect a more equal and positive change for society.