Celebrating 40 Years of Ethnic Studies at UCLA 1969 - 2009
2009-10 marks the 40th anniversary of Ethnic Studies at UCLA. To celebrate this significant milestone, Chancellor Gene Block has dedicated the academic year to the theme of “Celebrating 40 Years of Ethnic Studies at UCLA.”
Since 1969, California has become the most ethnically diverse state in the nation, reflecting virtually every society and culture in the world. This rich tapestry is represented in our ethnic studies research centers, which were among the very first organizations of their kind in the country. Today UCLA is the only university in the nation to house four such enterprises.
Each Center has created worldwide scholarly networks and has earned international acclaim for its accomplishments in research and community partnerships. The centers have also worked together, modeling the kind of interethnic cooperation that many other sectors of our society still struggle to achieve. We take special pride in the fact that these centers have been consistently engaged in the most significant issues of the day—seeking insight and solutions, often through cooperative ventures with community leaders and organizations. The centers’ studies have informed today’s leaders on such compelling topics as immigration reform, access to education, and health care services in at-risk communities.
During 2009-10, we will celebrate the centers’ accomplishments, as well as UCLA’s broader achievements in fostering diversity, through a wide array of activities both on campus on campus and throughout Los Angeles County. We hope you will join us in the celebration.
