“Reflections From the Trenches”—Insights From Community College Men of Color Initiatives Utilizing Critical Race Theory

ABSTRACT This chapter illuminates the contribution of Critical Race Theory (CRT) to community college men of color initiatives with an emphasis on educators planning, developing, and leading these initiatives at two urban community colleges on the West Coast. This chapter highlights the direct and indirect ways CRT informed professional development (PD) for staff, faculty, and administrators, as well as culturally responsive programming for students. Although these efforts are situated within a state that, as of 2025, possesses a robust infrastructure to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, the current sociopolitical climate has intensified the politicization and weaponization of both CRT and DEI. This heightened scrutiny has produced spillover effects that are more pronounced than at any point in the past 5 years. In response, amid ongoing political uncertainty, this chapter offers a set of adaptable strategies and considerations for community college educators seeking to sustain and advance DEI‐related initiatives, particularly those grounded in CRT.