For far too long, the voiceless have been pushed to the side. For far too long, the underrepresented have been pushed to the side. For far too long, Black people in this Country have been underserved, mistreated, and been robbed of their entitled rights to equality and equity. On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd’s death provoked sadness, disbelief, outrage, and finally, a call for action. A call to no longer ignore generations of pleas that have fallen on deaf ears. A call to believe in, and create, something so big that it can no longer be disregarded and neglected. The Latino Alumni Chapter of California, State University San Bernardino would like to confirm that we are here to help answer that call. A call for justice. A call for change. A call so great that in this moment, nothing shall take precedence.
In the weeks since the death of George Floyd, men and women across the World have protested the injustices that can no longer be overlooked. While we’re ashamed and angered at the generations of systemic marginalization of Black people in this Country, we’re extremely proud to see this Country’s response to the Black Lives Matter Movement. Our Chapter has always been an advocate for people of color and those that face seemingly constant barriers to higher education, self-sufficiency, and progress as a whole. In this time of angst, uncertainty, and frustration, we believe that reaffirming our commitment to the Black Lives Matter Movement must not only be stated with vigor, but also with action.
The Latino Alumni Chapter of California State University, San Bernardino stands proudly and vigilantly with our Black brothers and sisters across the World. We will embrace the challenge that has been set forth and are committed to doing as much as we can in our local communities, schools, and whichever arena that affords us a chance to help fight for progress, demonstrate change, pressure lawmakers, community figures, politicians, and enable everyone’s voice, no matter how young or old.
Black Lives Matter. Today. Tomorrow. Always. We refuse to go backwards.
-Latino Alumni Chapter for California State University, San Bernardino