Student leaders from all facets of the SSU campus come together to promote racial equality and social justice as part of a photo exhibit, "Faces of Sonoma".
The Center for Culture, Gender and Sexuality (CCGS) sponsors the photo exhibit created by Daniel Esquivel, which opens on Monday April 30 with a reception from Noon-2 p.m. in the Student Union.
"Faces of Sonoma" depicts various SSU students, faculty, and staff that contribute to an ever growing diverse population on campus. The gallery will consist of black and white photography of individuals who enrich the campus community through their unique backgrounds. The theme of the gallery is internal diversity, concentrating on identities that are not outwardly visible to the human eye, including sexual orientation, religion, ability, and political affiliations.
The artist was inspired to do this project due to the sentiment expressed by various students who believed diversity was nonexistent at Sonoma State. Esquivel said, "I walk around Sonoma State to hear a significant amount of people say, 'there is no diversity on campus.' Though there might not outwardly look like there is diversity on campus, there is. One is quick to point out that Sonoma State has limited racial diversity and ignores other attributes that also contribute to a diverse campus climate."
This is Esquivel's senior project inspired by Faces of Sonoma, a section in the Sonoma State STAR of which he is the editor of the Student Life section. His goal is to put the spotlight on exceptional students and their involvements that also contribute to creating a diverse campus climate.
The CCGS, the host of the event, fosters a campus environment of mutual respect and appreciation. The center provides forums for the campus and surrounding community to advance their understanding of social justice issues and their intimate complexities.
For further information contact Bonnie Sugiyama, Interim Coordinator, Center for Culture, Gender, and Sexuality, (707) 664-2710 or via e-mail at bsugiyama@sonoma.edu.
