01 Apr ASI’s Social Justice Week Empowers Voices and Drives Change
- ASI’s Social Justice Week educates and promotes conversations around various social issues.
- Faculty and several departments hosted in-person and zoom workshops about pressing matters relating to their own communities.
- ASI continues to seek out ways to create a safe, and welcoming environment for all.
On March 17, the Cal State Fullerton central quad transformed into a vibrant celebration of global cultures to celebrate Social Justice Week (SJW). Associated Students Inc., students and staff examined some issues central to this diverse campus. ASI has partnered with the Office of Engagement and Belonging (EOB) and the Association of Intercultural Awareness (AICA) to bring SJW to students in hopes of providing education, honest conversations, engagement and restoration amidst campus life.
A Colorful and Dynamic Kick Off
NSA Dance Warriors performing at the Central Quad/ Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
ASI made it possible for student associations such as the Lebanese Student Association and Vietnamese Student Association and more to set up tables adorned in their countries’ flags and delectable treats that originated from their representative country.
Interested participants were invited to explore the multiple booths highlighting crises such as missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, identifying Latinx stereotypes in TV and film and the historical and political factors contributing to Puerto Rico’s marginalization.
Students enjoyed free meal vouchers from Fiesta Gourmet and the Funnel Cake and Ice Cream food truck. A line for SJW T-shirts and opportunity drawings drew more students to the multicultural celebration. As the crowd grew, two dance performances energized the event.
The Nigerian Student Association Dance Warriors, dressed in “Men in Black” style, brought the heat to the stage with a powerful Afro-beat and modernized dance.
Ballet Folklorico de CSUF, a student organization focusing on dances from different regions in Mexico, followed with a vibrant performance showcasing the region of Sinaloa. The dance groups captivated the audience with their movements and highlighted the attitude of celebration.
Diversity in Motion: Building Awareness and Unity
Students participating at multiple booths hosted by student organizations/ Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
The celebration was just the beginning of the week-long event ASI, and its partners worked hard to educate audiences. Along with the food and free merchandise, came multiple workshops, documentaries and conversations hosted by the amazing student ambassadors of these clubs throughout the week.
“We just hope to inspire our AICA representatives to speak on topics that are important to them and their culture,” said Vice Chair of AICA and CSUF student Alondra Gonzalez. “We have over 30 clubs that are represented as AICA and we want to give them a space to be able to speak on issues that are happening in their country or religions.”
Some of those 30 AICA representing clubs include the Association of Chinese Students, Nikkei Student Union, Iranian Student Association, Japanese Anime Club and the Muslim Student Association.
Student-Led Workshops Exploring Global Issues
Students at the M.E.Ch.A table booth/ Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Social issues go further than the West, and student leaders wish to be the bridge between global perspectives to foster understanding and drive positive change across CSUF.
“I truly hope that everyone learns something,” said Social Media Representative for the Sikh Student Association Sehaj Dhaliwal. “We are going to be talking about the water crisis in Punjab to help spread awareness about it through social media.”
By engaging in conversations on these critical topics, students aim to not only raise awareness but also inspire action both locally and globally.
“Social justice is being the voice for people around the world that don’t have a voice,” said President of the Afghanistan Association Temorshah Popal. “We are sharing a documentary about war crimes that took place in Afghanistan by the hands of a U.S. Army troop called The Kill Team.”
Topics like these encourage students to step out of their comfort zone and grow intellectually and emotionally on less commonly explored subjects.
Faculty Champions: Leaders Contribution to Social Justice
Social Justice Week Promo Graphic made by student graphic designers/ Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
The EOB hosted workshops both in person and via zoom for titans to join. They explored topics like DEI, Gender and Pronoun Use, Inclusive Customer Service and Emotional Intelligence.
The training workshops aim to teach students and future professionals how to cater and provide inclusivity they can practice on campus and take to their future professions. The involvement of CSUF staff underscores ASI’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive space for students.
“This has been the most successful and collaborative Social Justice Week thus far,” said Director of Student Programming & Engagement Austin Ysais. “Where last year we only had 9 workshops offered, this year we just about doubled it to 19.”
Thanks to the dedication of staff and student leaders, SJW thrived and created a lasting impact. ASI effectively bridges the gap between campus life and real-world experiences in hopes of enhancing Titans’ education.
Giancarlo Esposito Talks Social Justice
Giancarlo Esposito sharing his journey at Beyond the Conversation/ Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Giancarlo Esposito, this semester’s star guest at Beyond the Conversation, is best known for his diverse acting roles that challenge and inform viewers about racial tensions, frustrations in black communities and systemic racism. He is proud of his biracial identity as a Black Italian American and emphasizes the importance of honoring Black leaders who fought for the rights of others.
It is not coincidence that during SJW, ASI chose a candidate such as Esposito who values and participates in social activism, ensuring that he is always advocating for multiethnic actors in film, television and theater. Students were able to soak in his experience in the industry, find encouragement to fight the system and accept they have the power to change the world.
Titan Voices Amplified
Students receiving a free meal at Fiesta Gourmet food truck/ Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Notably, exploring diverse cultures builds empathy and understanding which makes for a better Titan community. ASI’s efforts to ensure students’ voices are being heard were accomplished by asking the student associations to lead their workshops.
“We ask the organizations to pick their topics of choice,” said Events Chair of AICA and CSUF student Yashwanth Reddy. “This makes it more interesting and covers a wide range of areas so that it attracts many students’ interests.
Additionally, student organizations collaborated with one or two other associations to host workshops, blending multicultural experiences and education. This collaboration enabled the groups to bring together diverse perspectives, traditions and voices.
With over 30 clubs represented as AICA, there are over 15 different countries. This is vital to ensure different voices are being heard and exemplified.
Continuing the Conversation to Drive Lasting Change
Student association leaders engaging in outreach/ Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
The efforts of ASI, student organizations and faculty have set a powerful foundation for continued dialogue and change on campus. Titans can continue to explore the different associations that CSUF has to offer to carry the movement forward in community.
For upcoming AICA events visit the ASI programing website.