Congratulations RRS Class of 2024
"Be the leader you'd want to follow."
I am elated to be graduating with my B.A. in Communications and a minor in Race & Resistance. During my 4 years, I served on the first national Black Student Union's executive board as the Financial Officer and President. I have become a well-known student leader across our campus and pride myself on being that girl who gets things done! I am leaving my alma mater behind as a Magna Cum Laude graduate, debt-free, and heading to the East Coast. I am looking to the future as I begin my pursuit of a career in higher education in Ithaca, New York.
— Victoria Aloe Bell
Communication Studies, B.A.
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
Thank you to all my classmates and professors here at SFSU and at CCSF that taught me and helped me grow as a person!
Thank you so much to all my loved ones who have supported me throughout my life and especially the last four years! <3 <3 <3
— Schyler M. Hanzas
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Taking in Race and Resistance Studies as my minor was probably the best decision I made. Navigating through injustices and appreciating the diversity this school has to offer has made my years here in SFSU so much more memorable. From classes to the students, learning has been nothing but a blessing and I can not thank enough the professors and classmates that have impacted my education and athletic career here.
To my Mom and Dad, who have given so much of their lives for me to follow my dreams. To my little brother, who has made me so proud and allows me to be a role model to them. To Angel, for supporting me and encouraging me to reach for anything I put my mind to. And to my other family members, who have been on my college journey, thank you for being present and showing me so much love on my achievements.
I am forever grateful to be called a Gator!
— Catherine Ashley Flores
Criminal Justice, B.A.
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
Queer Ethnic Studies, Minor
Sociology, Minor
“You were not just born to center your entire existence on work and labor. You were born to heal, to grow, to be of service to yourself and community, to practice, to experiment, to create, to have space, to dream, and to connect.” ― Tricia Hersey
From Palestine to Mexico, all the walls must go. Viva Palestina!
Race and Resistance Studies has healed my inner child. It has validated all my experiences. It has taught me that love, compassion, and empathy are not only emotions but tools of liberation. My Professors, friends, peers, and classes have ignited a fire in me that will never be burnt out but will spread throughout my future work.
To my parents who have sacrificed so much for me to be here. To my sisters who keep me grounded and fuel my passion. To my grandma, you are the center of my work, you keep the family strong and our ancestors
stories alive.
I am an Inland Empire baby so a huge shout to my I.E community, it’s my experiences there that shaped who I am today.
— Kathryn Constantino
Race & Resistance, B.A.
Political Science, B.A.
Latinx Studies, Minor
" If there is one thing I am willing to bet on it’s myself." — Beyoncé
This is for my family! Thank you Mom and Dad for everything you do. I love you Dez, Jr. and Soraya for being the best siblings. Big shoutout to Larry and the Peoples Office EP 213!!
YOUR GIRL DID IT!!!!!!!
— Alexis Roman
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
Criminal Justice, B.A.
It’s been a long journey to get where I am now as a first gen queer Mexicana.
I am so incredibly thankful to be graduating as an RRS major and have made connections with faculty and students alike. Not only has RRS helped me feel validated in my life experience, but seen and empowered. Much love or everyone in the RRS department !! 🤎
— Vanessa Torres
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
Sociology, B.A.
First Generation Graduate! Viva Mexico!
I am a blended student here at SFSU. My major is Sociology. Minor: Race & Resistance. Masters in Gerontology.
Born and raised in LA. First generation graduate! Viva Mexico! Gracias a mi familia Ama, Apa, y Chuy por todo el amor y apoyo.
— Valerie Luna-Franco
Gerontology, M.A.
Sociology, B.A.
Race & Resistance, Minor
“La Persistencia bate La Resistencia"
— Yoko April Tamada
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
Cinema, B.A.
Asian American Studies, Minor
Queer Ethnic Studies, Minor
"We need weapons of mass construction, of mass love." — Assata Shakur
I am forever grateful for the past four years I have had, as a student in the Race & Resistance Department. It has taught me endless lessons, introduced me to amazing people and has allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. I am here today not only to celebrate my accomplishments but to give roses to those who have empowered me every step of the way.
For my siblings who will forever inspire me. My parents whose support I carried along the way. My professors' whom which I wouldn’t be standing here today. Lastly, for my community, from across the Bay Bridge and on school campus, thank you making each place feel like home.
Viva Palestina Libre, Isang Bagsak
— Karla Vanessa Muñiz Alvarez
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
Latinx Studies, Minor
Studio Art, Minor
“Where there is repression, there is resistance.” — Leila Khaled
FREE PALESTINE TIL IT’S BACKWARDS!!!
— Adhila Bukhari
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
Liberal Studies, B.A.
Para todos todo! Y ya basta!
Bella is a 2nd gen Chicana from Los Angeles! Raised by educators who taught her about social justice and the fight for liberation. Bella is forever grateful and indebted to the community she has found at SFSU from Mela de San Pancho & GUPS. Bella is a proud member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
Bella is continuing her studies at SFSU by pursuing an M.A. in Ethnic Studies in the fall.
Bella hopes to continue to honor her mother, Radha, every day. Thank you to my family and chosen family in SF.
— Bella Martinez-Bernal
Communication Studies, B.A.
Race & Resistance, B.A.
“History is the study of change, and if we are a product of that change, then history is the study of us.” — Mustafa Popal
Our education does not begin or end in a classroom. We learn from those before us, those here with us today, and those who will come after. I learn from all our interconnected struggles, love and solidarity from Palestine, to Congo, to Sudan, to the Philippines, to the Bay.
Thank you to my parents, Virginia & Manuel, and brother, Kuya Lester, for supporting me through my college education. Your love and care are important pillars in this journey and in my life. I love you!
— Maggie Mendoza de Guzman
Race and Resistance Studies, B.A.
Queer and Trans Ethnic Studies, Minor
Race and resistance has taught me a lot about myself and the future I want to create for the youth of today.
Molly Gutierrez is a first generation graduate with roots from Oaxaca and Jalisco.
Race and resistance has taught me a lot about myself and the future I want to create for the youth of today. I am forever grateful for this experience and the community it has introduced me to. I would like to thank everyone who stood by my side throughout this journey. For without their support, this wouldn’t be possible.
— Molly Gutierrez
Race & Resistance, B.A.
Journalism, Minor
Marketing, Minor
— Rhoel Paragas
Asian American Studies, B.A.
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
immense gratitude to everyone who helped on this journey
- grew up in Watsonville, CA
- sober 11+ years & active in various recovery communities
- plans to continue to learn from & help others. travel, & contribute to the liberation of all peoples
— Seanna Lea Lanagan
Cinema, B.A.
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Ghandi
I want to give a special shoutout to Larry! Thank you for everything.
Thank you to my family and friends who helped support me through these 4 years.
LOVE OVER HATE #nonviolence
— Jason Williams
Criminal Justice Studies, B.A.
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
"who are we as human beings if we ignore the suffering of others?"
a brown girl born and raised in the Bay, with roots in Honduras.
Thank you to the love and resilience of my parents, Herminio & Nidia, and the continuous support of my family, friends and mentors. I would not be here without you today.
free palestine
— Leana Michele Umanzor Carcamo
Psychology, B.A.
Criminal Justice Studies, Minor
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
“There is no better teacher than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.” — Malcolm X
I would like to take this time to thank my family for teaching me the true meaning of hard work. From the fifteen hour shifts to work on 4 hours of sleep. I was taught to never give up and fight for what I want. And boy I definitely had to fight for this degree. I take great pride being your son and brother and I hope you take great pride in me. I also I want to give thanks to EP 213. When I got on campus I was looking for my people and I am glad I found them in y'all.
— Fares Muthana
Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts, B.A
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
History, Minor
“There is no better adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, it’s own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.” — Malcolm X
To my family & love ones — physically & spiritually present — I love you & forever grateful for the pure love & guidance.
To every instructor, advisor, peer — thank you for the support, advice & all around love given.
To myself — You did it! You reached for the stars & landed alongside them. Next stop, the moon <3
— Kymber S. Gastinell
General Biology, B.A.
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
— Georgia Thomsen
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
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