October 16th, 1968 is the day that Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in Mexico City for racial justice, human rights, and the end to poverty. On this 50th anniversary of their action, come hear from SJSU faculty, staff, and alumnae about Tommie and John’s historic action, as well as the long history of social justice at San Jose State University, which includes the creation of Chicano Commencement, the establishment (and re-establishment) of EOP, and the successful campaign to raise the minimum wage in San Jose.
Speakers include:
- Rigo 23, California artist that designed and built the Tommie Smith and John Carlos Statues
- Dr. Julia Curry, SJSU, Department of Mexican American Studies
- Marina Corrales, SJSU class of 2010 (Master’s Degree, Applied Anthropology), and who worked to re-establish the EOP; currently SJSU EOP Academic Advisor
- Diana Pondivilla Victa, SJSU ’10, former student leader of Students for EOP; currently Department Manager, SJSU Cesar Chavez Community Action Center
- Leila McCabe, SJSU ’12, one of the founders of the SJ minimum wage campaign
- Elisha St. Laurent, SJSU ’12, and former student leader that helped win the SJ minimum wage campaign
The event is sponsored by the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center, College of Social Science, Human Rights Collaborative, Institute for Study of Sport, Society and Social Change. Please contact Dr. Scott Myers-Lipton at smlipton@sjsu.edu if you have any questions. Also, click here to see the booklet “Social Action: It is in Our DNA” about SJSU and its social action legacy: www.sjsu.edu/socialsciences/
Dr. Scott-Myerson,
So pleased to know that you are in the thick of this event. I will look forward to attending and will announce it to our students via email. Dr. Ruth