Lecture Notes: The Importance of Ethnic Studies

Introduction

• Speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to speak to the community, especially young people.
• Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging personal narratives.
• Focus of the talk: Ethnic Studies.

What is Ethnic Studies?

• Ethnic Studies is crucial for saving lives, creating sacred spaces, and developing solidarity.
• Interaction with an ethnic studies teacher sparked the speaker's interest.

Personal Journey

• Speaker started as a struggling student with a 1.83 GPA.
• Attended Ohlone Community College due to low grades.
• Ethnic Studies class introduced concepts of imperialism, colonialism, and racism.
• Realized personal experiences with racism and educational system failures.
• Teacher recognized the speaker's potential, encouraging further education.
• Eventually transferred to UC Berkeley, earning a degree in Ethnic Studies, and later a PhD from UCLA.

Impact of Ethnic Studies

• Ethnic Studies saved the speaker's life by connecting personal and family narratives to education.
• It helps answer vital questions:
  • Who am I?
  • What is the story of my family and community?
  • How can I contribute to social justice and positive change?
• Encourages self-love and unity within the community.

Ethnic Studies as a Tool for Change

• Ethnic Studies promotes creating a just society.
• It emphasizes love, respect, hope, community, self-determination, and critical consciousness.
• Warns against "Woke Olympics" - competition over who is more socially aware.

Pinay and Pinoy Educational Partnerships (PEP)

• PEP is a program teaching ethnic studies to Filipino students in San Francisco.
• Established in 2001, it involves volunteer teachers and creates a sacred space for learning.

Solidarity and Community Engagement

• Ethnic Studies promotes solidarity beyond the Filipino community.
• Solidarity is crucial for fighting against societal inequalities and promoting unity.
• Speaker encourages support for ethnic studies and community involvement.

Achievements and Advocacy

• Ethnic studies resolution passed in San Francisco schools.
• Collaborated with Arizona activists to support ethnic studies programs.
• Ethnic Studies resources at San Francisco State University were defended through activism.

Conclusion

• Ethnic studies are integral to personal and community identity, fostering change and solidarity.
• Encourages audience to support and fight for ethnic studies.
• Ethnic studies help individuals understand their importance in society and history.