Announcements

Ethnic Studies’ very own Librarian Lillian Castillo Speed is deservedly featured as part of the campus’ 150 Years of Outstanding Berkeley Women. Read on to learn of Lily’s commitment, dedication, and vision proudly displayed in the Ethnic Studies Library’s collections in Chicano/Latino Studies, Asian American Studies, Native American Studies and Comparative Ethnic Studies.  A great story for a great citizen!

On June 20th, Ethnic Studies lecturer Hatem Bazian, in cooperation with Zakat Foundation of America, the Lighthouse Mosque, and the Northern California Islamic Council helped organize a successful distribution of fresh produce for Bay Area communities in need. The event brought together 100 volunteers, including a strong contingent from Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies and the Ethnic Studies Community. Together they were able to distribute 35,000 lbs in 20 hours time all over Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro, and other areas of need around the Bay.

We write in a moment of accumulated grief and righteous rage at the murderous violence by police and other state forces. The cruelty of this violence has been on horrific display in recent weeks in the brutal killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade, the latest victims of a racist state that systematically and repeatedly diminishes the value of Black life. Even as we brace ourselves for increased forms of retaliation and repression in the days and months ahead, we condemn police violence and government retaliation against protesters.