The Social Justice Summit explores human rights and equality
A powerful day took place on the CSUSB campus when the Office of Student Engagement hosted the Social Justice Summit, focusing on human rights and equality.
Angela Rye — influential political strategist, social justice advocate and CNN political commentator — was the keynote speaker. A question-and-answer session followed Rye’s speech, along with a meet-and-greet and a chance for attendees to take a photo with her.
“I just really want to challenge you all to stop asking — start demanding,” Rye said during the event. “Start speaking up — you have a voice for a reason. Start ensuring that in all of your movement building, it’s inclusive — we can’t afford to be separate. We know what happens when people get separated.”
The event also featured speeches from Estefania Esparza, CSUSB senior and community outreach coordinator for the Undocumented Advocates student club; Margaret B. Hill, president of the board of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, CSUSB adjunct professor and CSUSB alumna; and Raul Maldonado, graduate assistant for the CSUSB Queer and Transgender Resource Center.
The Social Justice Summit included breakout sessions that aimed to teach attendees how to be change agents in their communities, and covered the way in which human rights are manifested in the everyday lives of people at every level of society. Attendees were also offered the opportunity to sign up with local organizations that hosted tables during the event.