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The vision of the Cross-Cultural Center (CCC) is to empower UCSD to recognize, challenge, and take proactive approaches to diversity for the campus and the San Diego community. We strive for meaningful dialogues and context across all cultures, particularly those of underrepresented or underprivileged backgrounds. We offer supportive and educational services through art, programs, workshops, and outreach, and we welcome creative venues for enhancing social consciousness and equity.
Vestiges: an indication that something has been present. Two years ago marks the time that the campus confronted the very visible, lived reality of the impacts of racism and sexism on students, staff, and faculty from underrepresented backgrounds particularly Black and African-American students. At a time when honoring Black History Month and preparation for outreach activities were in planning, thoughtlessness and insensitivity by a few individuals pulled the lid off deep seated issues of campus climate that are still felt today. Weekly there are still stories of class discussions, snide comments, and jokes experienced by many students (Report Bias). So the vestiges of 2010 and events prior in the history of campus linger on…
A lot of things have changed since those days in 2010 - The Resource Center opened, a new diversity academic requirement, some movement in faculty hiring and the anticipated arrival of the Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion - very real, very concrete steps. The key questions continue to be how we will commemorate and honor all the ‘real pain and real action’ particularly by dedicated students and faculty. Some of whom are still on campus, some of whom have moved on and some who continue to push for programs, events, trainings, hiring, for examples, that will continue to keep a focus on equity and inclusion as a key priority particularly in these budgetary times. Making real change is messy and takes vigilance and commitment (Feedback). As I thought about writing this piece, the words of Langston Hughes came to mind, so I leave you and myself pondering what happens to a dream deferred?
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or does it fester like a sore and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Of crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Does it just sag like a heavy load. Or does it explode?
