Todos Somos; Somos Uno! Everywhere and Anywhere…

To affirm means to share positive statements that inspire and remind individuals of their assets and contributions. Affirmations are not empty words or statements. Affirmations are action-oriented statements that educate, edify, and empower individuals to overcome obstacles, silence negative thoughts, challenge stereotypes, and tell a counter-story about people, place, or situation. As we start the 2023-24 academic year and continue our work to become an antiracism and inclusive campus, there are two communities that we invite you to join us to intentionally affirm: the Latine community and the d/Deaf community.

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month annually. The 2023 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) is Todos Somos; Somos Uno, which translates in English to, we are all; we are one. This theme aligns perfectly with our campus’ focus on belonging, and unifies over 20% of the United States, and approximately 39% of Californians, who identify as Hispanic, Latine or Chicanx. It is also an affirmation that awakens our collective consciousness about our interdependence and the importance of solidarity, as our liberation is tied to recognizing our shared histories and responsibility to address injustice.

There is such a rich, distinct, and amazing history to continuously be shared about, and by, people who have ties to Argentina, Bolivia, Chile’, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela, and the ceded parts of the United States, particularly areas in California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming. 

We affirm the indigenous languages of Latine people pre-colonialism ꟷ Quechua, Guarani, Nahuatl, Aymara, Mapundung, among other languages ꟷ while recognizing the history and struggles in the U.S. to preserve and use the Spanish language. 

We affirm the multiple contributions migrant farm workers make to cultivate the land and feed the nation, and the continuous fight for humane working conditions.

We affirm the work of our Dreamer Resource Center and the undocumented Latine community members who are returning to their homeland that was ceded under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848).

We affirm the presence and growth of the Latine community and our responsibility to make actionable and meaningful our designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution and certification with the Seal of Excelencia!

We affirm the members of the Latine community who worked diligently to plan and deliver the first Green & Gold Speaker Series featured guests of this year, Las Cafeteras, a Chicano band from East Los Angeles. The band will facilitate an interactive workshop and performance lecture 2:30 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, and will perform in concert 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom. Please register and join us in celebrating with the Latine community, the Beats of Belonging: Latine Revolution and Restoration. ASL will be provided.

As we reflect on and affirm the Latine community in September and beyond, we acknowledge and celebrate International Week of the d/Deaf beginning Sept. 2.  It is an initiative led by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) to commemorate the historical moment when the first World Congress of the WFD was convened in 1958. The World Federation of the Deaf serves as a powerful platform for the over 70 million d/Deaf communities worldwide to unite and raise awareness on various topics, issues, and innovations. This year, the International Week of the d/Deaf carries the empowering theme, A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere.

Therefore, we affirm the aspirations of the d/Deaf Community for a world where sign languages are not only recognized, but celebrated.

We affirm that with our over 3 million d/Deaf Californians we must co-construct a world where d/Deaf individuals can communicate freely and inclusively wherever and whenever they want.

We affirm that sign language is not just a mode of communication, but a linguistic identity and an essential and valued part of our campus' rich tapestry of diversity.

We affirm at Sac State the offering of American Sign Language (ASL) courses, and acknowledge that ASL is not just a way to meet the foreign language requirement, but a means to connect, understand, and appreciate the d/Deaf community's culture and perspectives.

Consider taking an ASL class from our incredible Deaf Studies faculty, and learn more about the rich and diverse d/Deaf culture. On Sept. 23, the International Day of Sign Languages begins the global celebration and reaffirms our commitment to fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and respect for all.

In partnership,

Dr. Mia Settles-Tidwell
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and University Diversity Officer

Friday, Sept. 8, from 1:00-3:00 pm at Riverfront Center 1031A, please join in on the Open House for the Dreamer Resource Center.

Thursday, Sept. 20, 2:30-4:30 pm, please participate in the La Bievenida Welcome event at the Library Quad.