Experiences of Students of Color

The experiences of students of color on the UCSC campus have been silenced for too long. Through this article, I hope to voice some experiences of those who have not been able to share their stories with the rest of our communities in order to inspire others to come together and do the same. Whether we are Asian, Chican@/Latin@, Black/African, Native American, Middle Eastern, or Pacific Islander, we as the “minority” community must collectively support one another while we tell our experiences since many are very similar. It is essential for all of us to step back and realize that just because we are not physically identical, we have all suffered immensely in this privileged society.


It is important to realize that the experiences of students of color on this campus have been constructed that way by society. Society is not designed for minorities and consists of those who have power. As many might agree, power is then determined by race and class. Those who are part of the elite race and belong to the upper class have managed to create a society full of hatred and ignorance with that power. This society is restricted to non-minorities and is designed to make minorities fail.


Many minorities are or have family members and/or friends who are immigrants. The current anti-immigrant laws waiting to be passed were created by those in power directed to harm all immigrants who happen to be minorities. As part of the “minority” community one thinks they have no say and very little power, but what many don’t realize is that if we unite and demand rights as one community, we can make it happen.


Currently, our community that consist of minorities/immigrants is dealing with racist and ignorant anti-immigrant laws that on the long run affects everyone. Laws like the H.R. 4437, which is now known as the S. 2454 would criminalize millions of people who are here in the United States to work. The United States of America is known as the land of opportunity and although this country has offered many opportunities to minorities/immigrants, it has done so for its own advantage. What many don’t take into consideration is that if other countries had the opportunities the United States offers, many immigrants would not be here. One talks about forced migration as being caused by political persecution, but what about starvation and unhealthy living conditions. Shouldn’t wanting to survive be a valid reason to seek the United States for new opportunities? You tell me!

As I have mentioned before, anti-immigrant laws would eventually affect everyone, which is why we must all unite and fight this system full of privileges and racism together. Privileged people believe otherwise but don’t realize that this country was built by the sweat and dreams of immigrants from all over the world. In response to many of these racist laws, however immigrants from all different races have already gathered together and organized protests, boycotts, and walkouts to show their presence and make the exclusive society realize the immigrant’s contribution to this country.


As an Asian, Christopher Mai felt the need to support the National Boycott on May 1, 2006. He is part of a minority and therefore already oppressed by society. By being the son of first generation immigrants, he suffers twice the oppression. As a student of color on the UCSC campus, Mai has experienced the oppression this society has built against minorities/immigrants. If Mai could change one experience he has had on the UCSC campus, it would be to have equal opportunities for all, not just the elite community.


As a black women, Takita Salisberry has also suffered a lot in this society. As a person of color and a woman, she has had to fight the system twice as hard. As a student of color at UCSC, Takita has been discriminated against by not only other students, but also the educational system itself. She believes that being the only Black person in most of her classes is a form of discrimination itself. She feels that making her study whiteness is a form of discrimination. Furthermore, the University places her in great discriminatory situations, especially when looking at the outreach and retention rates of her people. Takita is not only concerned about her people, but also the minority community as a whole. For instance, in response to the anti-immigrant laws, she states, “I feel that the anti-immigration laws are simply the historical disenfranchisement of a people. I supported the May 1st event because it was important to me. I did not go anywhere since gas would be needed and I did not pay for anything that would permit me to go against the National Boycott of May 1, 2006.”


Hearing Chris’ and Takita’s experiences as students of color at UCSC is overwhelming because I, as a women of color have also experienced similar situations. Listening to their involvement with the immigrant community is inspiring. As citizens of the United States, they have denied that privilege and fought alongside with their community. Too often society conditions those who have a privilege in one way or another, whether it is based on race, class, citizenship or sex, to separate themselves and appreciate the very little that is given to them. It is obvious that society tries to separate all of the minorities because they know that together we can fight the norms of society and accomplish equality, and that is what they are fearful of.


In conclusion, I hope this article aides many of you to find the strength and confidence to fight against the system as one community.