Since 1972, UC Riverside has had an established presence of two ethnic centers on campus: African Student Programs and Chicano Student Programs. This year, they both celebrate half a century of struggle, perseverance, and success.

Both centers, known on campus as ASP and CSP respectively, will be holding several events — many free and open to the community — throughout the 2022-23 academic year.

“Celebrating 50 years means we’re doing the work that is necessary to change the trajectory of Black scholars on campus as well as in the local community,” said Jamal Myrick, ASP director. “ASP is a staple in the Inland Empire and for us to be here for 50 years means there is a need and desire to continue our great work for all the years to come.”

Read “Still Rising,” a video and history piece in UCR Magazine’s winter edition.

The student movements of the late 1960s and ’70s were a time of social unrest around the world, and at UCR, it was no different. Discrimination and racism were palpable, but Black and Chicano students pushed back and continue standing strong today.

History has denoted a common factor in the success of both centers: students helping each other. That, coupled with staff and faculty supporting them, is how these centers have endured and thrived. Both Myrick and Estella Acuña, CSP director, said the 50th anniversary is a time to look forward, and to continue planning for the next generation of scholars.

“In reflecting on our 50th anniversary I see persistence and diligence rooted in history, cultura, culture, orgullo, pride, and corazón, heart,” said Estella Acuña, CSP director. “This is a commemoration of five decades committed to students, faculty, staff, community, and familias, families, that have trusted us. Our continued advocacy originates from the vision and courage of our founders whose activism in the face of resistance fortifies us today. We carry this legacy proudly. We are both recipients of this work and contributors to its growth.”

Read “Sembraron semillas, crecieron raíces — They Planted Seeds, We Grew Roots,” a video and history piece in UCR Magazine’s winter edition.

Let the celebrations begin:

CSP

Semana de la Mujer

Feb. 22-25

The Annual Semana de la Mujer series celebrates the contributions of Chicanas/Latinas during Women's History Month. The week-long series includes workshops, resources, stacked wall display, event t-shirt and a published journal.

For details, visit: Semana de la mujer

¡Presente! Conference

Feb. 25-26

The ¡Presente! Conference is a queer college conference with a focus on people who identify as part of the Latin/South/Central American diaspora, including but not limited to Afro-Indigenous, Afro-Latinx, brown, Latinx, Chicanx, and Indigenous people. The conference is free and will be virtual this year.

Registration and details: events.ucr.edu

For more events: csp.ucr.edu

ASP

The Divine Nine: Impacting UC-Riverside & Inland Empire Exhibit 

March 1-April 4

Showcase on the impact of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO) at UCR and in the wider community at large. Since the early 1960s, BGLOs have influenced and shaped the experiences of Black scholars, but far too often their impact is not recognized on campus. As part of ASP’s 50th celebration, this exhibit is a platform to share our narratives, celebrate accomplishments, and illustrate how organizations propelled us to heights unseen and unimaginable. The exhibit will be housed at the Tomás Rivera Library and is open to the community.

Black Greek Letter Organizations: Divinely Made in the I.E.: library.ucr.edu

For more events, visit: asp.ucr.edu