Diversity Expert to Speak at Symposium on Race

Cal State San Bernardino will co-host an inaugural symposium on race and race relations on Wednesday, April 16th, at the university’s Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center. “Painting a Social Rainbow for a Better Inland Empire” will be held from noon-4 p.m. Registration and check-in for the symposium begins at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public and includes complimentary parking in Lot D. The event, which is co-hosted by the Westside Action Group of San Bernardino and CSUSB’s University Diversity Committee, will feature Samuel Betances, a nationally renowned scholar, writer, speaker and activist on issues of diversity. He will deliver the keynote address at 12:15 p.m. Betances, a consultant and professor emeritus of sociology at Northeastern Illinois University, will speak on the topics of workplace diversity, ethnic and race relations and educational reform. “The purpose of this symposium is to bring together members of the CSUSB campus and its surrounding communities to provide an opportunity for positive dialogue regarding issues related to race and race relations,” said César Caballero, dean of CSUSB’s Pfau Library and co-chair of the symposium planning committee. Westside Action Group (WAG) is a proactive organization for African Americans in San Bernardino County in general, but is primarily focused on the city of San Bernardino. The group hosts a weekly community forum serving as a resource, an advocate for education, economic and community development; and as consultants to candidates seeking public office. Last year, WAG provided more than $22,000 in scholarships to students, aid to families with hardships and financial support to community projects, such as refurbishing of the Martin Luther King statue in San Bernardino. “WAG is excited about the symposium,” said Alton Garrett, the group’s president. “The scheduled speakers and participants bode well for an outstanding, informative symposium. “It will provide valuable insight into racism and perceived racism,” he said. “Institutional racism is a reality and hopefully, individuals who are not aware of their practices will gain much needed knowledge and understanding of their beliefs.” Caballero agreed, “The intent is to create awareness of historical and current race relations, so that participants can work together to develop greater levels of understanding and take positive actions that would result in improved race relations on campus and the Inland Empire.” Each time Betances addresses an audience, he stresses the need to accept and embrace diversity and, as he puts it, “to harness the rainbow,” saying, "It matters less where we are from – what really matters is where we are going.” Following the keynote address, there will be four breakout sessions simultaneously scheduled from 1:15-2:15 p.m. Participants may select from: • “Education: Dropouts and Discipline,” facilitated by Ray Culberson, director of youth Services for the San Bernardino City Unified School District; • “Perceptions and Culture: Health and Unemployment,” presenter to be announced; • “Law Enforcement and Crime” led by Ron Cochran, assistant sheriff of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department; and • “Residential Segregation: Housing and Education,” presented by Louie Rodriguez, associate professor of CSUSB’s Educational Leadership and Curriculum department and co-director of the doctorate in educational leadership program.