Congratulations RRS Class of 2023
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
My professors in this department and those adjacent to it made me feel parts of myself I would have forgotten. Through the many lessons, readings, and deep thinking, I am leaving this institution ready to share this knowledge and live committed to creating heaven on Earth with my kin. This degree does not define me. The love and support my chosen family, community, friends, and mentors is what empowered me to grave this institution.
— Violet(a) Isabel Vasquez
Race & Resistance, B.A.
Queer and Trans Ethnic Studies, Minor
The RRS courses I have taken have not only deepened my understanding but deepened my passion for and drive to do this work.
Thank you to my professors and my classmates. Thank you, Alan, you’ve shaped the framework I’m building to become a therapist. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here and has helped me get into my master’s program. And for Dana and Zola, I did this for you as much as I did this for me. You’ve made everything brighter.
— Brenna Miller
Labor & Employment Studies, B.A.
Counseling, Minor
Queer Ethnic Studies, Minor
This is for my raza.
Thank you mom and dad for all your sacrifice. To my ancestors that gave me the strength to make it to this moment, thank you. Thank you to SFSU, Metro Program, professors, and mentors that attributed to my success, I’ll never forget the power of ethnic studies. I’m proud to be a brown and educated chicana, long live the raza and the College of Ethnic Studies.
— Briana Elizabeth Torres
Political Science, B.A.
Education, Minor
Race & Resistance Studies, Minor
“Dialogue cannot exist, however, in the absence of profound love for the world and for people… Because love is an act of courage, not of fear, love is commitment to others… It must generate acts of freedom; otherwise it is not love… If I do not love the world, if I do not love life — if I do not love people — I cannot enter into dialogue.” —Paulo Freire
My big brother was my first Ethnic Studies teacher. The streets of southside Stockton — where I was born and raised, my first classroom and exposures to mutual aid and community care. My parents, Jocelyn & Sofronio, were the first cultural bearers of our Ilokano culture I met in this life. I knew these things already because I have lived it, but this education simply gave me the language to articulate what I have known my whole life. Solidarity to us all from Palestine to the Philippines, especially here in Yelamu — the Indigenous name to the OG land stewards Ohlone peoples for so-called “San Francisco” where this institution resides.
— Jaelyn Galasinao Sanidad
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
Race, Ethnicity, and Health, B.A.
Queer Ethnic Studies, Minor
I didn’t know the Queer and Trans Ethnic Studies minor existed until my second to last semester at SFSU.
To my surprise, I had already completed all of the required courses. I was just naturally drawn to this field of study. I’m so grateful for the opportunity the RRS department has provided me to dive deeper into what I’m passionate about.
— Alexandra “Kitty” McNeill
Women & Gender Studies, B.A.
Queer & Trans Ethnic Studies, Minor
Human Sexuality Studies, Minor
I didn’t find out about the Queer Ethnic Studies minor until I was almost finished with my studies at SFSU.
I was happy to find that I had almost finished all the requirements and was able to complete the minor while learning something that wasn’t part of my major. Starting school after years away was a challenge that I didn’t realize that was up for. I am grateful for the support of my family and friends and the SFSU. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this field of study. Everyone I have had the pleasure of coming in contact with during my education has been wonderful, inclusive and helpful.
— Denise Marie Lavelle Lauron
English Literature, B.A.
Queer Ethnic Studies, Minor
RRS has revealed my purpose. Now it’s time to change the world.
— Leslie D. Townsend
Race & Resistance, B.A.
Queer & Trans Ethnic Studies, Minor
“You never know how strong you can be until being strong is the only choice you have left.” —Tupac Amaru Shakur
This year has taught me many things. The most important, to cherish and honor the little moments, so cheers to this moment and to everyone who has believed in me. We did it! A special thanks to my daughter Angel Baby “Stinky” Nala and partner for life Jerome.
— Pelesani Sua
Labor & Employment, B.A.
Counseling, Minor
Critical Pacific Islands & Oceania Studies, Minor
I am forever grateful for the wonderful faculty and amazing courses I have taken within the Race & Resistance Studies department.
Moving into the future I will continue to advocate for queer voices within the Latinidad as well as mobilize the community to conjure critical thinking skills. I plan to continue my education into graduate programs for Ethnic Studies with a focus on queerness. Saludos.
— Susan Chavez (they/theme/elle)
Latina/Latino Studies, B.A.
Queer Ethnic Studies, Minor
Women & Gender Studies, Minor
Service over Success. People over Possessions. Principle over Power.
This education has aptly equipped and prepared to me to be a voice for the “voiceless,” marginalized, undervalued, and underrepresented populations in our communities.
— John Cunningham Jr.
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
“There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.” —Malcom X
This is dedicated to my community, as well as all the underrepresented ones. Also my familia, gracias por todo el apoyo! A huge thank you to all professors in this department that have given me so much knowledge, strength and understanding. Especially a huge shoutout to Larry Salomon! So lucky to have had you as a professor, advocate and mentor.
— Sofia Contreras
Psychology, B.A.
Race & Resistance, Minor
Holistic Health, Minor
“The true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love.”
—Che Guevara
I came to SFSU to study Race & Resistance Studies because I was interested in the unique emphasis on social justice and community work. I am grateful to all the support I have received here and I will continue my education at CSULB where I will be studying Literature with a Marxist perspective. I dedicate my degree and education to my parents, whose love has guided me on my educational journey and I am so grateful for their support.
— Melanie Montoya
Literature, B.A.
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
“If diversity is being invited to the party and inclusion is being asked to dance, belonging is dancing like nobody’s watching — feeling free to be your full, authentic self. Knowing that you are welcome and accepted just as you are.”
I am immensely grateful to all of my supporters. It has taken me an entire lifetime to believe that I deserve this moment. It is not a silly, whimsical time in my life — it was earned through hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and love of self. I did not accomplish this alone; I am a member of a tribe of humans who love and support me and I belong here. We all belong here. Congratulations to us!
— Krissi Lewis
Race & Resistance Studies, B.A.
Sociology, Minor
Queer Ethnic Studies, Minor
