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SCA’s Diversity Organizations
By: Grace Carballo ‘17
Last Friday, I met some amazing and inspiring peers at the Diversity Networking Mixer at SCA through several rounds of “speed dating.” The event was hosted by Acción Latina, USC WCA (Women of Cinematic Arts), African American Cinema Society, the Asian American Cinema Association, and Queer Cut, the School of Cinematic Arts’ diversity organizations.
Commemorating Remembrance Day for Japanese Americans
By: Terry Nguyen ‘20
The diverse city of Los Angeles contains boundless opportunities to immerse yourself in unfamiliar cultures and their traditions. February, although mostly celebrated as the month of love, is also Black History Month and in this stormy political climate, a significant and relevant time to commemorate the Day of Remembrance for Japanese Americans. On Feb. 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, issuing the order to legally contain Japanese Americans in separate internment camps on American soil. The Day of Remembrance should be made aware of, and while we shame this period of American history for its discriminatory legislation, we should also strive to commemorate and understand the stories of those affected by this Executive Order. Below are a few events, exhibits and destinations you can visit if you want to further your understanding of American history and the effect of EO66 on the lives of many Japanese Americans.
A Trojan’s Guide to Black History Month
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
Every February we celebrate Black History Month, and recognize the achievements by black Americans and their role in US history. And now, thanks to USC’s Black Student Assembly (BSA), you don’t have to wonder about all the events set up to help everyone celebrate and learn more about Black History.
6th Annual USC Latino Student Empowerment Conference
By: Brandon Le ‘18
For the past 6 years, El Centro Chicano has been holding an annual conference to help empower Latinx students, and help them find their individual paths to success.
Gender-Based Violence in Asian-American Communities
By: Shannon Lam ’19
I was 10-years-old when I was first sexually harassed. I was at the grocery store with my parents. Normally, I stick by my parents, walking next to the cart, admiring the vast options of chips and cookies. However, at one point, my mom realized we had forgotten to grab the milk. Me, adventurous and trying to be as independent as a 10-year-old could be, offered to quickly go grab it. My mom was hesitant at first, but since the milk aisle was just a few aisles down, she let me go. It was only for a brief second, but as I leaned into the fridge to pick up the milk, I felt a hand on my butt. I turned around and a middle-aged man quickly walked past me. At first, I didn’t think much of it. Maybe I was taking up too much room in the empty aisle, maybe I was in the way, maybe it was my fault. When I walked back to my mom, there was a sinking feeling that was hard to describe at 10-years-old. Something didn’t sit right with me. I felt lost, I felt guilty, I felt violated. At 10-years-old.
Black Lives Matter
By: Grace Carballo ‘17
My Social Innovations (PPD 478) professor, La Mikia Castillo (Price Alumna, National Organizing Director, National Foster Youth Institute) moderated the Black Lives Matter panel last Thursday evening with 4 incredible panelists: Lisa Hines (Mother of Wakiesha Wilson), Melina Abdullah, (Professor and Chair, Dept of Pan-African Studies, Cal State LA) Nyallah Noah, (USC Thornton Sophomore, Black Lives Matter LA Member) and Pete White (Founder & Executive Director, Los Angeles Community Action Network).
A Guide to Life at USC as an LGBT+ Student
By: Adriana Bernal Martinez ‘20
When coming to college, we’re eager to find our people. People we share interests with, and most importantly, people that will accept us. Although USC takes pride (pun intended) in calling itself one of the most LGBT-friendly campuses in the nation, it’s not merely because of the student body’s progressive mindset. It’s because of its bountiful resources for LGBT+ students. USC’s LGBT Resource Center is open to the public every weekday, ready for you to come visit whenever. Located in the second floor of the Student Union Building with plenty of resourceful assets for USC students to take advantage of, here is just a little bit of what the LGBT Resource Center has to offer.
USC Own It
By: Grace Carballo ‘17
Last Saturday, September 24, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural USC Own It women’s leadership summit. Luckily as soon as I heard about it a few weeks ago, I booked my spot immediately, because tickets eventually sold out. To give you an idea of the scale of all this, over 450 students and 65 speakers attended. Own It was started by two Georgetown students in 2013, with the first summit taking place in 2014 and being so successful that it expanded nationwide. The Own It network now encompasses 8 universities including USC, and we are certainly in good company.
State of Emergency: Homelessness in LA
By: Felicia Zhu ‘17
This past Sunday was the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, 2016. USC hosted several panel discussions, and homelessness in Los Angeles was one of them. Here’s what was discussed in case you missed it.
International Women’s Day
By: Grace Carballo ‘17
This morning at the gym I joined in Buenos Aires, a trainer wished me “Feliz Día de la Mujer” which was the first time I’ve ever been greeted this way, although for me every day is women’s day. As someone who identifies as a woman and as someone who identifies as a feminist, I decided IWD is something I should probably be more knowledgeable about and I’ve compiled this handy guide for you, as well. So whether you’re abroad, like me, or on campus when you read this, if it’s March 8th, it is International Women’s Day and you should be mindful of this, because as far as women’s rights have come, we’re not there yet and by there I mean ~equal~. The quote below from earlier today sums this up very well.
First-Generation Students
By: Grace Carballo ‘17
Nearly one-third of students entering two- or four-year college in the U.S. are first-generation students. Who are first-generation students? Those whose parents do not have four-year college degrees are considered first-generation. If you fit this description, you may have felt, as many do, at a disadvantage compared to your continuing-generation peers while adjusting to college life.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
By: Grace Carballo ‘17
Today, November 25, is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, an international recognition of the violence against women that is not confined to a specific region, country, religion, culture, or societal standing.