Janay Williams for Academic Affairs Commissioner

Meet Janay Williams, a third-year Microbiology Immunology Molecular Genetics major and African American Studies minor. Williams is a candidate for Academic Affairs Commissioner in the 2014 Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) elections. She is one of four African American candidates running under the Lets Act Party. Born and raised in Moreno Valley, Williams grew up in a large family as …

Supreme Court Ruling Upholds State Ban on Affirmative Action

The Supreme Court expressed its stance on affirmative action Tuesday, ruling that the decision to consider race in college admissions rests solely in the hands of state legislatures. Following Michigan’s statewide, voter-approved ban on affirmative action in 2006, the 6-2 decision upheld the states’ right to eliminate racial preferences from the college application process. Speaking on behalf of the court …

African Black Coalition: The Rise and Impact of Black Activism

The African Black Coalition conference featured numerous workshops that supported its theme of “Re-Imagining Black Activism.” These interactive sessions complemented the keynote speeches and allowed the conference attendees to share their thoughts on the key topics affecting the Black community. The first set of workshops was titled “The History and Development of Black Activism,” and highlighted the various Black resistance …

Marc Lamont Hill: “We Create an Entire Industry on the Prison”

The Afrikan Black Coalition (ABC) is a coalition designed to unify Black students across the UC system in order to discuss and resolve issues concerning academic policy, campus climate, and matriculation from the University. By bringing together the Afrikan/Black Student Unions from UC and CSU colleges, ABC presents the opportunity for unity in spite of geographical boundaries. This year’s conference was held at UC …

In Detail: USAC’s Resolution to “Divest from Corporations Supporting the Private Prison Industry” Passes

On Tuesday, February 4, the Afrikan Student Union at UCLA brought forth a resolution to the Undergraduate Students Association Council’s (USAC) weekly meeting.  The goal of the resolution is to “divest undergraduate students association and UC Los Angeles’ from corporations profiting from the Prison Industrial Complex.” For those who are not familiar with the resolution and its implications, it sets …

USAC Votes for a resolution to “Divest from Corporations Supporting the Private Prison Industry”

Last night, the Afrikan Student Union at UCLA addressed the Undergraduate Student Association Council with “A Resolution to Divest Undergraduate Students Association Council and UC Los Angeles Finances from Corporations Profiting from the Industrial Complex.” The endorsers of the resolution include:  Student/Campus Organizations: Harambee Council at UCLA, USAC Office of the President, USAC External Vice President’s Office, USAC Cultural Affairs …

Black Inmates and Legalized Marijuana in Colorado

On January 1st, many recreational marijuana stores opened their doors in Colorado. Amendment 64, a ballot initiative that repealed weed prohibition, made the historical moment possible. Supported by over half of Colorado voters, the law permits the growth, sale, possession, and private use of cannabis by adults 21 and older—within the state’s borders. Decriminalization of marijuana use was a long-awaited …