Chaparral 2024-2025: Our Best Bud Ethnic Studies Instructor Brittany Hampton

Chaparral was absolutely delighted to chat with Ethnic Studies Instructor Brittany Hampton in her first year at GCC! Professor Brittany Hampton attended California State University Los Angeles as a Double Major in Liberal Studies and Pan-African Studies for her bachelors. She returned to CalState LA to obtain her masters in Pan-African Studies. She worked formerly as a K-12 English teacher and in Admin for almost 10 years. She has been teaching at the college level since 2022. She has a lovely daughter name Brayley who is her little twin. She loves to cook, travel and spend time with her loved ones.

Let's dig in (more plant puns forthcoming)!

Chaparral: First, welcome to Chaparral! What is your position and department and when did you start at GCC?

Brittany: Hi, I am Brittany Hampton, and I have been at Glendale Community College since Fall 2024. I am a full-time instructor in Ethnic Studies.

Chaparral: Given the political climate around Ethnic Studies, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA), and Critical Race Theory (CRT), what do you want people to know about your department and its impact that might not currently understand?

Brittany: Ethnic Studies is not just important — it’s essential, especially in this political climate where truth, equity, and justice are under attack. Our department empowers students to understand the deep roots of systemic oppression and to see themselves as agents of change. Ethnic Studies isn’t about division — it’s about truth-telling, healing, and solidarity. When students learn about the histories and cultures that have been marginalized, they not only honor those stories but also find strength in their own identities. In a time when critical thinking and cultural understanding are being challenged, our work is about building a more just and liberated future for everyone.

Chaparral: As we “grow the seeds we plant” here at GCC as faculty, what would you like to see for the future of your area? How can the campus community better support you in these efforts?

Brittany: As we “grow the seeds we plant” here at GCC, I want to see the growth of a vibrant Ethnic Studies community — a space where students can come together, connect across differences, and find unity through shared struggles and triumphs. I envision a common space where students can not only relax, but also learn, organize, and dream together. To truly support this work, the campus community must invest in spaces, programs, and resources that affirm the importance of Ethnic Studies, center marginalized voices, and make belonging visible and tangible for every student. Community isn’t just a goal — it’s the foundation we build everything else on.

Chaparral: Any other thoughts you would like to share about your time at GCC? This may include reflections on your colleague and their work or any other observations about this process.

Brittany: My time at GCC so far has been inspiring. My colleagues have been nothing but supportive through this process. I am forever grateful to work along side them. I also see a deep commitment from my colleagues to not only teach, but to nurture, challenge, and empower students. It’s clear that the work happening here is rooted in care and a belief in education as a tool for liberation. I’m grateful to be part of a community that values the transformative power of Ethnic Studies and understands the urgency of this moment. Moving forward, I am excited to continue building bridges, deepening connections, and working collectively to ensure that every student knows they belong and their stories matter.