creating a well informed environment on race and racism
The Black Voices Initiative strives to foster a welcoming, understanding, and well-informed environment for prospective and current Black students. We want to combat bigotry and ignorance by supplying information and creating opportunities for open dialogue within our institution.
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Who are we?
Black Voices at UC San Diego aims to be a resource on historical and contemporary issues that impact Black students. We strive to provide access to information on allyship, spotlight opportunities and offer a safe space for Black students, and create a place to have open conversations on race and racism.
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our featured research
The Compton Cookout
The explicit expressions of racism, masquerading, and mockery shown during the Compton Cookout left many students and the wider community shocked and outraged. The incident sparked widespread outrage, catalyzing student protests, dialogue, and a push for institutional change. It remains a shameful and painful reminder in UCSD's history, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
Racist History of Geisel
Many know Dr. Seuss for his quirky characters and captivating rhymes and syntax, but did you know about his perpetuation of systematic racist imagery and storytelling? His most iconic character, the Cat in the Hat, was inspired by stereotypes rooted in Blackface and modeled after a real Black woman who worked as an elevator operator. This post challenges the university’s continued glorification of Theodor Geisel by naming its flagship library after him. It encourages a critical look at the figures we choose to honor on campus.
In Memory of Oluwatoyin Salau
On June 13, 2020, Oluwatoyin Salau, a young, passionate activist who dedicated her life to fighting systemic racism and gender-based violence, was murdered after her activist efforts in the 2020 BLM protests. Her tragic death reminds us of the disproportionate violence faced by Black women and the urgent need for continued advocacy. This post commemorates her legacy and calls on our community to protect and uplift Black lives in her honor. Her voice and mission live on through collective action.
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Anti-Racism
Anti-Racism is the practice of actively identifying and opposing racism. The goal of anti-racism is to actively change policies, behaviors, and beliefs that perpetuate racist ideas and actions.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality is the interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage”.
Race & Racism
Race is not based on inherent biological differences but rather on social meanings attributed to physical traits, which are used to categorize and hierarchize people
Law & Politics
Law and politics have shaped—and been shaped by—the fight for racial justice in America. From landmark court cases to transformative amendments, this module explores the legal foundations that have both challenged and upheld systems of inequality.
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Join our team
Black Voices of UC San Diego is looking for leaders that are passionate in creating a more interconnected and safe space for ALL UCSD students. Please apply if you are interested in promoting equity, refining your research skills, or getting additional leadership experience.
Join our events
Have crucial conversations with us at the Women’s Center and the Black Resource Center, Learn more about Black History at Movie Night! Every year we host “Flexin My Expression”, a talent show showcasing Black creative expression. Everyone is welcome to attend. Rewrite this copy later.
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Stay up to date with the latest news and events from Black Voices at UCSD.
Bond, enjoy, and learn
Have crucial conversations with us at the Women’s Center and the Black Resource Center, Learn more about Black History at Movie Night! Every year we host “Flexin My Expression”, a talent show showcasing Black creative expression. Everyone is welcome to attend. Rewrite this copy later.
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