Kameron Pyant, a fifth year English major, has been working for the Cross Cultural Center (CCC) since the fall of 2016, which was his freshman year. He has hosted a plethora of events for the CCC such as "Speak yo Truth” and “Unapologetically Black." Pyant has also organized a couple protests this past summer in the wake of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor's deaths. Q: What got you interested in activism? A: The abundance of social injustices inflicted upon Black, Indigenous, and people of color is what drives me to be a persistent activist, being that we still are and always have been fighting for freedom, equity, and equality. We must stay adamant regarding this fight because … [Read more...] about Into the mind of a student activist
Cross Cultural Center
A familiar face in a safe space
While February indicates celebration for Black History Month, with only 5% (1,002) of African American students enrolled at CSUSB, questions on representation and having a voice on issues on campus become even more evident. The idea of having safe spaces on campus is intended to make a person feel free of bias, conflict, criticism, and a place of healing. For many students, they are able to walk around different parts of campus including classes and see people who look like them. They have a sense of belonging. Nicholas Flowers, a third-year Child Development major, voiced how he felt about representation on campus. Flowers stated, “I definitely do not feel … [Read more...] about A familiar face in a safe space
CSUSB celebrates Cinco de Mayo
For the first week of May, CSUSB held an assortment of activities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo across both campuses. Cinco de Mayo is a Latino holiday that commemorates the victory of the Mexican army during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In San Bernardino, the Cross Cultural Center hosted four days of events to showcase the national heritage and importance of the holiday. A program called "The history that was banned" took place on May 1. This gave students the opportunity to view books and films that were banned under Bill 2281, which prohibited Latino education to be taught in Arizona schools before being overturned by Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotamayor. Some of the … [Read more...] about CSUSB celebrates Cinco de Mayo
Let’s Talk About Sex
By Emily Anne Espinosa |Staff Writer| Students and faculty gather together to have a discussion about sex. Let's Talk About Sex! was hosted by the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) Cross Cultural Center, Student Health Center (SHC), and Psychology Counseling Center. Judi Cruz, Health Education Assistant at the SHC, hosted the event. "We're not encouraging people to be sexually active, and were not discouraging them," said Cruz. "This is not a class, this is not a lecture," continued Cruz. The event is intended to inform students about sex and how to protect their health by giving awareness to the resources around them and allowing them to engage in a dialogue in a … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk About Sex
Pride Center provides peace
By Michael Isberto |Features Editor| The Pride Center at CSUSB is one of the many resource centers on campus that empower everyone’s singular identity and journey. Their mission statement states, “The Pride Center provides education and advocacy in order to develop a more equitable and inclusive environment by addressing issues of homophobia and heterosexism throughout the campus community.” Many students are aware of the Pride Center as a resource on campus, and believe it’s a great place to build relationships, as well as build up a community. The Pride Center holds many events throughout the year including, Cosmic Queers, Lavender Graduation and Gaymer … [Read more...] about Pride Center provides peace
Speak Yo Truth express all at open mic night
By Arthur Medrano |Staff Writer| Students and poets expressed their thoughts on racism, love and politics at the "Speak Yo Truth" event held by the Cross Cultural Center. Performers were able to do a spoken word piece and used instruments to sing or recite their own personal poems as crowds cheered on with rounds of encouragement and satisfaction on March 7. There was a cohesive mix of new talent and seasoned veterans of artists around campus. The event was previously held during fall quarter as we experienced the progression of performers unveil a new mask of emotions building up for this great night. The art form of spoken word is best described as an improvisational performance … [Read more...] about Speak Yo Truth express all at open mic night
6th annual One Love Reggae Night
By Adrian Carlos |Staff Writer| Excellent Jamaican food, authentic local reggae bands and genuine artwork are what completed this year’s One Love Reggae Night. The sixth annual Reggae Night was put together by the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) and Cross Cultural Center. The coordinator for this event was Tamara Holder, who is the coordinator of the Cross Cultural and Osher Adult Re-Entry Center. “Reggae is the great unifier, it brings people together and exposes them to a broader diverse group of people, the Reggae Night is an event that is student oriented and is for the students,” said Holder. The Reggae Night was showcasing original tone Jamaican paintings that were … [Read more...] about 6th annual One Love Reggae Night
Students Need to Extend Their Cares Past Their Own College Lives
By Kimberly Treloar |Staff Writer| Life here is not as bad as we think it is. Take a moment to pause and look at the world around you. There are people who starve and go without clean drinking water. There are people who are murdered for their beliefs or simply for being of the wrong ethnic background. Women and children are kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery. I think that it is time that students look at how much easier life is here in the U.S. compared to different parts of the world. What are you doing in your life right now? Complaining about not getting the classes you want? Texting your friend while you sit on the couch, wondering who the next American Idol will … [Read more...] about Students Need to Extend Their Cares Past Their Own College Lives
Confessions of an international student
By Yezi Cho |Staff Writer| Before moving to California from South Korea as an international student I expected to experience ‘Culture Shock.’ In some ways I did, and although for the most part I found commonalities, I also found differences. Korea and the United States have many similarities such as the use of Apple and Samsung gadgets. This is because both countries have highly developed technologies. Another similarity is the beautiful beaches found along both the coastline here and there. Public transportation exists in both countries, but it is better in Korea. Here, especially in San Bernardino, the interval between buses is too long, so people waste their time on the street. … [Read more...] about Confessions of an international student