I Said Yes

 

Education, a sword through which we battle oppression.

 

Unit 1: What is Ethnic Studies?

Many times in my life, I said no.

And, for some time, it protected me.

I didn’t need to be adventurous when I could be safe

So, imagine my surprise, on the first day of school.

Walking into a class that so flamboyantly accepted me.

That jazz-handed its way into my heart

Kicklined the depression, anxiety, and hatred.

Booty-shaked the fear and worry.

I started to wonder about myself.

But,

I never wondered who I was.

I never wondered where I came from.

I never wondered why I’m here.

So, what’s going on?

 

Unit 2: Identity

Do you ever wonder who you are?

Wonder where you came from?

Wonder why you’re here?

Like many, I said yes.

When entering Ethnic Studies,

And in the span of a second, I knew.

The choice from ignorance to bliss.

I learned who I am.

I learned where I came from.

I learned why I’m here.

Learning is resistance, my shield from ignorance

Educating myself, a weapon against discrimination

 

Unit 3: Historical Roots of Systems of Power

I remember everyday coming into class

Wanting to learn more

History and Master Narratives became imperfect and non-judgemental

Not weapons for others to go to war with.

If you haven't heard of it,

There are 4 I's of oppression

Ideological, the basis of all discrimination

Interpersonal, the endless fighting from human to human

Institutional, the ways schools, governments, and/or offices have shut me down

And Internalized, the inside insecurity that we all succumb to.

I, as a person of color and a member of the queer community, have personally felt these effects

Yet, pain is not weakness and love is not a crime

I am free to learn in Ethnic Studies

 

Units 4: Immigration

I don't represent just myself

I'm a descendant of immigrants

Within this class holds dreams, aspirations, and hope beyond me.

Every person who fought for quality education

Third World Liberation Front

Tucson Unified

El Rancho Unified

MVLA Unified

Little Rock Nine

Brown v. Board

Mendez v. Westminster

Thank you.

Look at where we are now.

From exclusion of the Chinese to the fear of the Japanese

I'm not afraid of being myself.

I'm willing to learn about

The gross, the lovely, the everything.

 

Unit 5: Education and Housing

Every student deserves a class like Ethnic Studies

I remember my first day of Ethnic Studies like it was yesterday,

I remember coming into the room

I remember my bright name tag;

Which spelt my name, sure

But spelt lifetime lessons like the alphabet.

I knew I was going to dedicate everything to it.

Chairs and Desks

Although used by others, felt like mine.

Like some fairytale, not seeming real

How can a class change my life for the better?

Specifically made for me.

 

I am standing before you not to say

"Ethnic Studies is the best it can be"

Because that is counter to everything Ethnic Studies stands for

Instead of that,

"Ethnic Studies is like us, always learning and improving"

And so, when I was asked

"Did you learn anything from this class?"

I said yes.