Take the Pledge Testimonials

Each person who takes the pledge recognizes that a whole university response is required to build a culture where Black people thrive at UCI and beyond.

Take a look at why our community members Take the Pledge!

Will you Take the Pledge?

Community Member	I Take the Pledge because…	Community Member	I Take the Pledge because…
Sharnnia Artis	As a Black woman at UCI, this pledge is important to me because I would like us to confront systemic racism and ensure we have a culture where all Blacks – students, faculty, staff, and community members – can bring their whole self to UCI and be appreciated and accepted for who they are, especially the excellence they bring to UCI.	Jessica Lingad	We can do better. Our Black peers deserve better.
Kevork Abazajian	Anti-Black racism needs to be recognized, confronted, and stopped. As an immigrant and member of a minority community myself, it is clear to me that we must acknowledge, tackle, and halt the historical inequities, as well as conscious and unconscious biases that perpetuate inequities in our society.	Aj Lipscomb	I feel this pledge is a first step in growing awareness for the need of acceptance and respect that must be given to all of humanity. IF someone can understand their conscious and unconscious biases toward Black Americans, then maybe that will open their awareness of biases towards others.
Kyoko Adachi	It is important to all of us to acknowledge inequality and unfairness and unconscious bias and prejudices exist in our society.	Haohan Liu	Black Lives Matter. People should recognize that human talent and achievement are broadly distributed in society.
Andres Adam	The racial movement of 2020 opened my eyes to the anti-blackness in the US, and also to hidden racism in my own European country. As a foreigner here, it is not my place to demand political change, but I can make an effort to improve my local community.	Lizzie Liu	The history of anti-Blackness goes way back to the founding of this country. It continues to be a huge issue today especially in the current socio-political climate. I think it’s so important as a public university for us to both acknowledge it and teach how to unlearn it. It affects the entire community and we have the resources and the platform to help educate people—whether it’s young children in childcare, students enrolled at UCI, or staff and faculty.
Annabel Adams*	None of us can thrive until all of us can thrive.	Michael Lobasso	equality is the ultimate truth.
Melissa Aguirre	I am looking forward to seeing efforts like this flourish to create a better tomorrow for my URM brothers and sisters. Committing to equity and inclusive excellence for all should be important to everyone.	Vanessa Lopez*	I've always believed that people should be treated equal. Growing up, I learned just how unequal life was for minority people. These past couple years, the amount of racism I've witnessed in the U.S. has reminded me the world is still not a place of equality for all. I want to help make this world a better and safer place for Black people. Black lives matter.
Lorrie Aguirre	Taking the pledge is important to me because I want to take responsibility for expanding my knowledge on anti-Black racism. I want to learn more about the history of anti-Black racism. I want to do what I can in everyday situations to be part of the change and educate myself with solutions to the ongoing problem of systemic racism.	Casey Lough	This pledge is a small step in saying things aren't okay in our community and I want to play a role in changing that.
Yama Akbari	Growing up in an inner city with a large population of Black people, a majority of my friends were Black. I witnessed my friends and their family members facing a lot of racism on a day to day basis that led to immense suffering. We are all one beautiful species on this beautiful planet. I acknowledge the existence of anti-Black racism and stand with Black people to combat it.	Angela Lukowski*	White people have to acknowledge racism and take steps to create inclusive communities in which all individuals can thrive and achieve success. I am committed to serving as an ally who actively works to eliminate racism within the academy and in my community more broadly.
Brianna Aldrich	Because it's essential to move our society forward to where everyone is treating equally and with respect.	Paul Lumsdaine	This cannot stand. We must do something. Our society must thrive even in the face of hatred and bigotry.
Daniel Alexander	Because I have been dealing with racism in my profession since law school and I continue to at UCI'	Cecelia Lynch	It's about time!!!
Lisa Allin	To defend the constitution for all people, all humans are equal people.	Maranda Macdonald	This pledge is important to me because it is not enough anymore to be silently racist. We must be vocally anti-racist and unite our voices to eradicate racism.
Steven Allison*	I have a responsibility to train the next generation of scholars, leaders, and educators. It is so important for that training to build on a foundation of anti-racism. Those of us who are privileged members of the system need to confront systemic racism to end anti-Blackness.	Rodrigo Mahs	Building a culture where black people can be safe, included, and thrive is imperative to the evolution and sustainment of our society. This pledge is an external affirmation and manifestation of the existence of anti-Black racism and the need to recognize that actions must be taken. The work begins with taking the necessary actions to build new narratives, systems, and processes to build strong pathways for our Black community to prosper and grow in a safe and inclusive environment, free from psychological, physical, and economic transgressions.
Julieta Alvarado	Students of all races and backgrounds deserve the minimum of a positive thriving culture at our university.	Sherry Main	Building a culture that allows for Black individuals to thrive at UCI is a commitment to a brilliant future beyond the campus – one that allows society at large to rise above the fog of racism and its limitations, births an environment where Black success is ever boundless, and ultimately is a reflection of our fierce dedication to inclusion and equity.
Eyal Amiran	UCI has got this backwards. This pledge is for the UCI admin to start doing something real, instead of paying people to give speeches. Hire more minority faculty, fund many more minority scholarships to recruit black students and make them nationally competitive (they are not at all), provide dissertation year fellowships, invest in helping students complete their courses of study, and don't edit my comment to include only part of this sentence. "Excellence" is a meaningless tag that hides the abject failure of admin at UCI. And don't hire more vice presidents for the weather.	Jennifer Maitland	It is important that I as a staff member actively work to make UCI a safe and welcoming space for Black students. It is also important that I support students in working toward and reaching their goals. As a staff, it is also important for me to recognize and address issues of anti-Blackness on campus.
Evelyn Anderson	"Blood is not thicker than water for me. Both spill equally." I come from a long line of people with frightening beliefs on my mother's side (not my mother; she's a good mawma) and my father almost killed me one night for having a crush on Arsenal Hall. I don't have anything special or awe inspiring. I just want to take what was told to me and try to make things better than that. I try to make what I want the truth to be to actually become true.	Monica Majoli	I believe in the mission to dismantle anti-Blackness and white supremacy and look forward to doing this in all aspects of my engagements. UCI is a community and all should feel empowered here.
Aileen Anderson	I believe that we all rise or fall together, and need to stand together on this issue.	Grace Manning	I would like to see EVERYONE around me succeed, and we need an inclusive campus environment where every student can thrive, including Black students at UCI.
Lisa Anderson	It is time to stand up and speak out for what is right, particularly when it comes to protecting our community against anti-Black racism. This is the first time that I can recall in my ~30-year tenure here at UCI that I feel overt, fervent campus support in recognizing that the only way to take a stance against anti-Black racism is through the use of our collective voices and collaboration, across ethnicities and communities, in courageous dialogue and action. I want to keep the momentum going and pass on the baton to future generations in the fight for equality and social justice for all.	Lilian Martinez	I wish to be apart of anything that will diminish racism in our country so that we may be equal
Craig Anderson	It's going to take all of us to fight and change these systems that unduly harm black people in this country.	Daniel Martinez*	It is crucial to continue combatting systemic racism across the UC system and society.
Patricia Anderson*	The University for me is the world as it should be - with principals of equity and inclusion. In a world where black students, staff and faculty cannot thrive, none of us thrive.	Dina Matheos	I want to work to end anti-Black racism. I want to live in a community where Black people can thrive and be at peace with the world they live in.
Lorena Andrade	I am openly taking the pledge because silence is acceptance.	Anuradha Mathur	It is important that we, as humans, are kind, caring and thoughtful towards one another, without exception!!
Bruce Aquino	I don't want to hear any more stories from my black students about how they are mistreated, targeted, and unheard year after year.	Kristy Matsuda	Change begins in every person, every day, and every interaction. What we say matters. What we do matters. What you sign matters.
Josh Arimond	Anti-Blackness is not innate. It's born and sustained as part of a social structure. The Pledge is a beacon and a bullhorn that we will not tolerate anti-Blackness anymore.	Krystal Matsuyama-Tsai	Taking this pledge is vital to me because I believe in the power of community. When we come together to acknowledge the inequities that challenge communities that have been disproportionately oppressed and marginalized, only then can we begin to take effective action towards a safer and more just society.
Elvia Arroyo-Ramirez	As a non-Black person of color I want to help build and sustain a campus climate where Black students, faculty, staff, and administrators can thrive.	Hailey Maxwell	It is important for non-black people to recognize and address these ongoing issues of racism and anti-blackness that are ingrained into our own institutions. It is only then that progress for true inclusion and equity can be made
Amy Atchison	I want to do my part to create an environment where Black people thrive.	Kerri Mccanna*	We must begin to exist in a way, as an institution, that is not only open to, but welcomes and celebrates Black students, scholars, and staff. Until then, we cannot live up to our name as an R-1. The next time I tell a BIPOC scholar about a UCI position, I want to be able to honestly say that I vouch that the "culture" is thriving.
Nina Bandelj*	It is important to me to not only decry racism but to take an active stance, and anti-racism stance, to help bring about a more just and thriving society. I recognize that this requires the difficult and often uncomfortable work to build anti-racist policies and foster anti-racist interpersonal environment. But I am convinced that when we work to dismantle anti-Black racism, the whole of our community will be better off.	Philip Mccarty*	For decades we have had very little success in increasing the number of Black or Indigenous scholars on campus. We need to fix this.
Sayan Banerjee	It's a small yet effective step in helping solve systematic racism.	Anthony Mccollum	As alumni and now and employee, I want to make a difference at an institution that has given me so much opportunity.
Fayez Bany-Mohammed	Because it's the right thing to do. It has been long overdue	Todd Mcgill	Too many people look the other way. We need to build a critical mass of acknowledgement so that when someone does look the other way, it's a notable exception to social norms rather than aligning with them.
Tallie Z Baram	Anti-Black, Anti-Jewish, Anti anything is both unjustified and destructive. Embracing the complexity of humanity will is required to propel us forward.	Jharrayne Mcknight	Taking the pledge is equivalent to helping bridge the gap of minorities in Higher education.
Lee Bardwell	Diversity enriches and strengthens us all. In contrast, the absence of diversity diminishes us, and leaves us in a less exciting, less enriching world. Diversity reveals voices that we never knew existed, or could exist – voices in music, dance, theater, literature, mathematical proofs, scientific discoveries, and more. In contrast, the absence of diversity leaves us with a colder, less exciting, less enriching world. The victims of systemic racism in academia should not be expected to lead the fight against it; they are doing their best just to do their jobs and support their families, despite the racism they see in the news every day and the prejudices they experience every day. It is not the job of campus minorities to educate the rest of the community about systemic racism, implicit bias, microaggressions, etc.; it is the academic community’s job to educate itself. This is one reason why allies such as myself are important. That said, despite the challenges, so many of our campus minorities are standing up and joining the effort to make things better. I have incredible respect for their self-sacrifice and courage.	Nancy Mcloughlin	I don't think we can be who we say we are as a university unless all members of the university community feel welcome, cherished, safe, and encouraged here and unless we are working to bring the same goals to life in the wider world. Recognizing and working to confront the particularly virulent and violent anti-Black racism is a part of that for me and I am acutely aware that I need to understand the scope of this violence and the harm it causes better in order to help build a more inclusive and thriving community.
Stephen Barker*	UCI, and culture in general, can only thrive if all voices are heard and empowered, inequities addressed and acted against, and diversity understood as a VALUE equal to any other. It is vital that UCI administrators model a deep commitment to diversity and equity and take action to bring them about.	Amanda Mcquade	Because what we have done so far as a university is clearly not enough. It is the responsibility of each individual to become actively anti-racist, and the responsibility of an institution to provide an environment where these issues are discussed and students have the appropriate resources to educate themselves and ensure change.
Sylvia Bass*	I have always abhorred racism, but it is not until this year that I recognized how pervasive anti-Black racism is in our country. My ignorance is no excuse. I want to do whatever I can to be an ally and to work on becoming an anti-racist.	Sarai Medina	We all need to our part and get involved in making a difference.
Christopher Bauman	All of us have a responsibility to end anti-Black racism.	Rita Mehta	It is crucial to be just to all human beings, we all move forward when we move together as a society.
Sofia Becerra	This pledge is important to me because I want to live in a world where BIPOC individuals have the same opportunities as I do. I recognize and understand my privilege, so I plan to use my platform to better the societal experience of those around me who lack the same privilege as I do.	Dianna Mendoza	I want to be part of making a change here at UCI where Black people can thrive and feel they matter are an important part of the community here at UCI.
Leah Becerra*	First, this pledge digs at the root of the issue: anti-Black racism. Too often, #BlackLivesMatter is met with #AllLivesMatter, which is hurtful to the BLM movement and takes away from the real issues. However, introducing the term "anti-Black racism" forces us to look at how we, as individuals and as a community, contribute to anti-Black racism through micro-/macro-aggressions -- and how we can call out others who continue to contribute to anti-Black racist language or behaviors.	Alicia Mendoza	So my Children can grow up in a community that excepts them based of their character versus the color of their skin
Kati Bell	It's important to me to move from just thinking about anti-Black racism to actions I can take that work to mitigate racism in my community	Alicia Mendoza	This pledge is Important for me because I would like a society were my Black Children can live safely without prejudice
Catherine Benamou	all of my life I have been taught to fight injustice and racial discrimination, I wish to recommit to those principles at this time, and I believe that teaching acceptance and embracing diversity on this campus is the only way to go forward.	Cindy Merino	No lives matter until Black lives matter!
Blanchard Benson	Because it is a shameful and disgusting thing to enable racism.	Greg Mickelson	Diversity, in its many forms, is a critical component of successful organizations and institutions. Actively fostering an inclusive community of individuals with different temperaments, talents and convictions will further distinguish UCI and its accomplishments.
Andrew Benson	Black lives matter. That needs to apply to every facet of our society, not only with regards to ending unjust practices by police.	Cassandra Miles	As a black woman in healthcare it is important to be apart of recognizing the micro and macro aggressions around us. I hope that there will be REAL change in my life time. Often times, as a person of color we complain about the issues at hand, but I want to be apart of that change.
Hillary Berk	I teach courses on law, society, and inequality. We must strive to make the rights and values we claim to offer "on the books" real and accessible, and injustice visible. A vital mission of the university should be engaged conversations that lead to changing attitudes, norms, practices, structures, and institutions - especially surrounding anti-black racism and sexism.	Andrea Miller	As a first generation South African-American woman living in University Hills for more than 14 years, I am greatly invested in this community. I am happy to see this kind of pledge that outlines specifics for those who want to do more to participate in anti-racism work. As an events and festival producer, my work is anchored in intersectionality, diversity, equity and inclusion. I am happy to see more visible work and efforts at UCI!
Jose Bermudez*	I am taking this pledge because there needs to be justice in this world, and this pledge articulates a personal framework for me to be an accomplice towards achieving it.	Jennifer Miller	I would like to be a part of the solution to this historical, foundational and systemic racism issue for this world, myself and most importantly my children and future generations. I'm so happy this evil is finally being addressed and fought for. Thankfully this generation has chosen to be courageous and to rise up, to say NO MORE. What a privilege to be a part of this movement!
Victoria Bernal	I am married to a Black man and we have two daughters. Our family has faced racism first-hand. I was anti-racist before I ever met my husband, but experiencing racism first-hand in many forms is different than understanding it intellectually. This is a global struggle but we can start where we live and work. I want to see a more equitable culture for everyone at UCI.	Shelby Miller	Racism has no place in society. We must end it once and for all. I want to be an ally for black peers and ensure they feel welcomed and safe.
Daniel Berry	Because if I'm not actively working to combat racism, I am part of the problem. Complacency is part of what enables systemic racism to oppress BIPOC folx, and it isn't enough to be aware of racism.	Steven Mills	It is important that we all confront the bigotry and racism that is present. The first step is acknowledging that it exists. Then, steps can be taken toward equality, equity, and fairness
Nakia Best	As a Black woman it is important for me to be actively involved in building a culture where myself and other Black people can thrive at UCI.	Thomas Milner	Contribute to a community that can value and celebrate all people.
Roland Betancourt	Because our nation has supported and outwardly sustained a cruel program of systematic racism. When challenged or questioned, it has redoubled its efforts and villainized all who have protested or resisted. If we as scholars, thinkers, and educators are not willing to stand for this, then who will allow our current and future Black students and colleagues survive and thrive.	Laura Mitchell	We all need to pay closer attention, voice our concerns when we see inequities, and daily create space that is generous and generative to everyone. In this context, racism is Black pain, but is a white problem. Undoing half a millennium of damage requires honesty, frank talk, and hard work.
Heather Bilton	Anti-blackness has maintained its presence throughout all institutions in the United States for far too long. If we are to defeat it, we must all work together to do so. I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem that allows anti-blackness to persist.	Tracy Molidor	It is incumbent upon UCI to establish a culture where black people thrive--where they feel welcomed as full participants in our collective work, and respected and supported in their individual scholarship. I want to experience a UCI in which black students, faculty, and staff not only have agency, but also desire, to be and speak among their colleagues on parallel footing. If we can't develop a respectful and collegial environment at a university made up of tens of thousands of presupposed intelligent and open-minded people, how can we promote hope and suggest strategies for improvement anywhere else?
Davidian Bishop	As a white person, it is imperative to recognize my whiteness, the privilege that comes with that, and actively engage in antiracism work. I am the Director of the LGBT Resource Center at UCI. We are a social justice space and this work is at the core of everything we do. All of our liberation is connected. Black people around the nation are under attack on multiple levels and have been for hundreds of years. This has to be a priority for me and other folx to be co-conspirators and align ourselves as individuals at UCI with our stated values of uplifting black voices and creating true and change in our culture and climate.	Zachary Montoya	Black people have been oppressed both directly and passively for far too long; it’s time that we normalize an open discussion about how to build a culture and community in which Black people have not only equal opportunity, but also the confidence to thrive.
Donald Blake	The university and the world need all people to be equal. At the university level it is important for students to feel comfortable and be represented by faculty. I am in chemistry and there is a very low number of black and other diversity groups represented in our field. We are trying to be more inclusive but with so few black students graduating from graduate school in chemistry we need to approach this from bottom up.	Connor Mooney	I think it is important to build an environment at UCI in which black students and colleagues are supported and treated with respect. This will require a mindfulness of when and why anti-blackness occurs, so that concrete steps can be taken to eliminate it.
Sara Blanchard	I grew up in the Georgia, in an area where cotton and plantations were a part of my daily scenery. Living in southern California for the past 6 years, I forgot where I came from. Since the pandemic I have been displaced to my hometown. The oppression of Black people in the south palpable, while privlaged whites plauge the streets. I have never been more proud to be part of an organization than I am to be a part of UCI because of their fearless inovation and unwaverying commitment to equality and inclusinveness. It is my hope that by taking this pledge and being involved with the UCI Black Thriving Initiative, that I will be able to extend this pledge to areas like Athens, Ga thereby encouraging educational establishments such as the University of Georgia with a deep racist history who continue to oppress Black children, women and men in the community , to WAKE UP and start to right the generational wrongs that are continuing to be perpetuated against the Black community.	Elizabeth Muehlmann	Inequality anywhere is inequality everywhere.
Mathew Blurton-Jones	I recognize how important it is to have a diverse and supportive environment at UC Irvine for al of our students, staff, and faculty. I also understand that all of us need to continue to learn how we can help to confront and end anti-black racism, prejudice, and bias.	Jazmine Munoz	Given the incredibly polarized political climate we live in today, I believe it’s important that we as a society (especially in the United States) not only acknowledge the persistence of racism, but ACTIVELY make efforts to stop it in order build a truly equitable community.
Andrew Borba	We cannot move forward without deciding to move forward.	Kenneth Murphy	The existence of racism of any kind is a fear-driven phenomena that demonstrates ignorance and weakness. For far too long we have ignored both big and small acts of overt and covert racism against our black brothers and sisters. We must work actively on ourselves, our organizations, and our institutions to raise awareness and ultimately implement change. Our ultimate goal is to overcome fear with empathy, wisdom, and shared destiny to ensure equal opportunity for everyone.
Robert "Kevin" Bossenmeyer	This pledge is important to me because I want my black brothers and sisters to know I support their efforts to make a difference in the world, I encourage them to excel in their endeavors and I stand for their being an equal part of equity, diversity and inclusion.	Jeffry Nahmias	Ensure we all confront racism
Dawn Bounds*	As a Black person, taking this pledge affirms my identity and experience as a Black faculty member at UCI. Joining others on campus to affirm my identity and experience is important to me because it acknowledges the need to transform the UCI environment as a place where I and other Black faculty, staff, and students can and should thrive by directly confronting anti-Blackness and racism. I am appreciative of this collective space that facilitates tearing down structural violence against me and my people.	Alyssa Naigan	This pledge is important to me because I understand that it is my responsibility to provide a safe space for all people In my Anteater community, especially those part of marginalized communities. I recognize the need to reassess my own biases and prejudices for the Black community to thrive.
Willow Bowers	It is imperative to include everyone equally and we have not made enough efforts to do so, but the university is only one area, we still have a long way to go and a lot to change.	Lisa Naugle*	Anti-Black racism is a very serious obstacle to living a happy, healthy and prosperous life. I am making this pledge to demonstrate my conscious objection against it.
Shohreh Bozorgmehri*	To take a positive and responsible step forward and help build a culture at UCI where Black people thrive.	Carla Nelson	A reckoning has been needed for years. Glad to see action being taken.
Matthew Bracken	I am committed to building a more just, equitable, and inclusive community on our campus and beyond.	Edward Nelson	It is important to acknowledge the existence of intrinsic racism in our society. As one of my black american patients said, "Recognition of the problem is the first step towards the solution".
Kevin Bradford	This pledge is important to me especially because I am dedicated to the mission of Thrive. This is the unique opportunity to build community, to educate, to change culture, and to provide opportunities for Black students, faculty, and staff. Each sentence of the pledge resonates with me deeply. The acknowledgement and education needed of anti-Black racism is at the core. Institutional racism is rampant in society and it creates knowledge structures that perpetuate bias and exclusion and permeates deeply into the institutions that provide formative experiences. Anti-Black racism must be acknowledged. Anti-Black micro and macro aggressions are pervasive and create unpleasant and often hostile work and social environments. Recognizing the uncredited labor that Black people expend to manage the effects of unconscious and conscious acts of bias, prejudice and bigotry is important. The labor and angst associated with the labor is effortful and debilitating. Creating a culture where Black students, staff, and faculty can thrive is worth all of the efforts and I am honored that my university is taking leadership in this space. I am committed to this initiative.	Jennifer Nelson Martinez	I am committed to creating an inclusive workforce and a supportive educational environment.
Alyssa Brewer	I want to help improve equity, inclusion, and justice for everyone. Building a culture in which Black people thrive fundamental to this goal.	Kate Nemec	I want to do what I can to support everyone on campus and make sure nobody feels undervalued or unwanted
Jackie Brown	The pledge is important to me because I want my mixed race children to grow up in a society where they are equally accepted and learn to do the same for others, regardless of differences.	Julia Nemeth	Growing up, I saw how my privilege as a white woman manifested in the education system, and didn't have the opportunity do more than posture alliance in my youth. As a woman, I also had to deal with my own limitations in creating change. As a mother to two young white men, I want to be sure I give them the tools and vocabulary to use their privilege in this world to effect change in the systems they eventually go into, whether education or blue-collar, or whatever it may be, to break down the barriers for non-white humans. As a UC employee, especially in graduate admissions, I want to find paths to increase not only the number of POC in grad school, but to assure they have role models, mentors, faculty, other grad students, and supportive whites in their support system.
Sara Brown	This pledge is important to me because it is our human responsibility to be an advocate for another human being, rather than an accessory. To uphold the humanistic principles of equity and justice- we must be loud with our commitment, starting with this pledge.	Viet Nguyen	As someone hailing from Minneapolis, it was jarring to witness the events of the George Floyd protests. Yet, it cannot be said that was unexpected. Years upon years of ignorance in regards to racism against African Americans have lead to the trajectory of events today, and racism can no long be ignored. It is at the forefront of societal issues today and as such this pledge helps us to stand against racism.
Eliane Bruketta	I want to be an effective ally in combating anti-blackness. In order to do this, I need to educate myself and be an advocate to improve our community and the community at large.	Sheila Nguyen	I would like to learn more how I can help build a culture where black people can thrive in our UCI community.
Leanne Burke	Because I believe that all who enter UCI should be welcomed, feel safe, and thrive.	Ethan Nguyen	Taking this pledge is important because too many people don't realize that anti-Black racism exists in America. This has gone on for far too long and has affected to many people. It is important that we all recognize it as a problem and educate ourselves on how to remove it from the culture and from the world.
Anthony Burke	There are many people who believe racism is dead in CA and not an issue here, yet if you speak to any black person they will tell you their experience. It is not enough to not have prejudices yourself, we must all actively fight racism until it is truly dead.	Michael Nguyen	The world does not move without Black people and Black creativity.
Candace Burton	Because I look around my school, my classroom and I see mostly white faces. Because I am disgusted when people of color are asked to "teach" others about their lives and struggles, rather than the privileged taking responsibility for their own awareness. Because I get comments on my student evaluations that I am "biased," "too political," "opinionated" when I push students to recognize the implications of social justice in our work as health care providers. Because I am sick of being silent out of fear for my own career progress.	Christine Nguyen	This pledge is important to me because it shows initiative and advocating for change. This pledge acts as a stepping stone towards inclusion and acceptance for all.
Natascha Buswell	I am taking this pledge so that others can keep me accountable. I am dedicated to learning about the experiences of Black students, faculty, and professionals. I am also committing to speaking out when I hear and see people or systems that are anti-Black.	Matthew Nikont	There are too many people who refuse to accept the fact that systemic racism not only exists, but is prevalent in society today. The fact that there are people who can openly deny that is solid proof that privilege has made them blind to the truth.
Nina Butkovich	Racism is a major problem in the US and must be actively countered to improve black lives. Everyone deserves respect.	Jami Nourse	I have long been frustrated by and aware of the injustice and bias against Black people in America regarding police brutality and targeting, but I didn't realize the extent of the systemic racism in America (ie: bank loan bias, food deserts, etc). I also have been ignorant about what I could do personally to do something about it. This pledge is important to me because greater numbers may lead to real change.
John Butler	Our past efforts have not been up to the task to reverse the racism which has persisted in our country since it's inception.	James Nowick	I want to help make UCI welcoming to all. Historically, UCI has not done well enough in making the campus a welcoming environment for Black people. We need to do better. By taking the pledge and posting a "Black Lives Matter" sign in my office window, I am trying to do my small part to help UCI do better. I will continue to seek out additional opportunities to help make UCI an affirming environment, free of bias, prejudice, bigotry, and micro- and macroaggressions.
Alexia Cage	I am black and I feel like minorities need to take part in making the pledge and leading by example of what inclusion and acceptance looks like.	Marie Nubia-Feliciano, Ph.D.	As a Latina of African descent I think it is important that UC Irvine take deliberate and overt steps to educate and support everyone about the issues impacting the Black community on campus. Doing this aligns directly with the mission of the university.
Rick Callender	Because justice and equality for every single person, regardless of race, gender, color, creed, orientation, is a basic human right.	Cristi Nunez	Because systemic racism and social injustice is long overdue to end!
Sarah Campbell	I must make a conscious effort to do whatever is in my power to stand united with the black members of our community in fighting against racism, prejudice and bias.	Alexis Nwadike	This pledge is important to be because I am a black women living as a minority in my dorms. To see change and recognition of anti-blackness and pro-blackness would be amazing.
Hannah Campbell	I want to ensure that my actions and engagement support and do not harm black colleagues, students and community members. I want to be an advocate and ally for my colleagues and students. This is an integral part of creating a supportive and academically successful program that benefits from the engagement of people from all walks of life and acknowledges and works to eliminate the historical norm of anti-blackness.	Ellen Obryant	The necessary change cannot happen without our continued vigilance toward the goal and active involvement by all on campus.
Claudia Campos*	Taking this pledge is important to me because it is fundamentally grounded in my personal and professional values. Creating and sustaining a campus environment where Black students, staff, and faculty are thriving is critical and needs to remain a top priority. Taking this pledge is the first step in ensuring that I am contributing to building a campus culture where Black people can thrive.	Che Ochtli	It is only through solidarity that we move forward, as a queer latinx person, my path was made on the foundations and efforts of black lives, their life experiences echo those of my people, but I and many of my people still get to thrive. As uncomfortable as these conversations can be, they are necessary.
Cara Capuano*	This pledge is important to me because I want to advocate for equity, learn more about the Black community, better understand my own biases, and take action to both confront anti-Blackness and create changes to help the Black community thrive.	Cailin O'Connor	It is important to me that all students and faculty can occupy a supportive learning environment. And it's time we make that a reality for Black community members.
Shannon Carey	While I was an undergraduate student at UCI, I took what was then called a "Women's Studies" course and I was confronted with my white privilege. I was also confronted with the high privileges I hold in other identities of my intersectional self. It was difficult to sit with because I assumed my recognition of my own privilege was also an assumption that my life mattered less, my life was "easier", and what I have accomplished didn't matter as much. However, I have come to realize that is not the case and it is apparent we are living in a biased, prejudicial society with clear racism that is impacting Black people as a whole. I own my privilege and I work in every way that I can to confront racism remarks and statements because that is one way that my privilege can be used for the betterment of others. I know I have a lot to learn, but I am grateful that my place of work is actively working to train everyone on how to learn and enact this pledge. Now, as a nurse pursuing forensic nurse examiner services for UCI, it is even more imperative that I carry this pledge with me at all times to ensure that we not only build a thriving culture for Black people, but that we also protect Black people from injustice and racism in times when needed most - survivors of violent crimes. I am proud to work for UCI because it is one thing to post a black square on social media and it is another to continue this work to make our world a better place by actively engaging faculty, staff, and students in the work of confronting anti-Blackness.	Ben Olson	Because everything Black people have done to build this country deserves recognition, respect, and thankfulness. Not to mention that everything Black people do becomes the foundation of modern trends on social media and has even influenced how an entire generation of Americans communicates. Black people built this world and it’s time they were recognized for it.
Roxana Carlo	I take this pledge because as a Positive Psychology Professor in the School of Education, I believe everyone should have an opportunity to thrive and feel a sense of belongingness. I was moved to take action after the recent mass shooting in Buffalo, NY. I am committed to confront anti-Blackness to build a thriving culture for Black people.	Judith Olson	I have attended a reading group about Black in the Academy led by Mimi Ito in Informatics. We have been doing a lot of reading and discsussing about systemic racism in higher education. We are thrilled to see this initiative here at UCI. I want to see it succeed! That's why this pledge is important to me.
Joe Carmichael	I want to help end systemic racism and anti-blackness in America. This is a terrible injustice that cannot be tolerated or ignored.	Aurora Orozco	The reason taking this pledge is important to me is that I want Black people to feel appreciated and safe, i want Black people to receive the same respect and care we all do. I want to make a difference and help rectify what is currently plaguing my Black brothers and sisters.
Elizabeth Carpraru	I take this pledge because I believe we are all equal and are entitled to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" as stated in our declaration of Independence and we are all responsible for creating a culture that supports one another to achieve this.	Melissa Orr	I'm married to an African American man and have 2 biracial sons. My family is the world to me and I want them to live in a world that does not see color only human beings.
Cynthia Carr	I recognize the injustice, pain, and struggle that Black people in the US must face as a result not only of individual racism, but also as a result of widespread institutional racism that has been present in our country since the founding. I also recognize that there is much going on in this area that I am unaware of due to my privilege. I believe that the only way to reverse this situation, to bring Black people (and other POC) into a relationship of justice, equity, and equality within institutions (like Universities and Hospitals) is for all of us, the entire community, to admit our ignorance and complicity and to pledge to do better every day.	Mariana Ortega	This pledge is important to me because Black Lives Matter. There's nothing more important than creating a world in which our students don't have to be afraid to walk around campus, fearing that a police officer will attack them, due to the color of their skin. We as a university need to do better and let those students know that we see and hear them.
Charles Casella	Because I want them to thrive like my forefathers did	Christian Ortiz	Everyone deserves to achieve an education without the fear that they will be judged or targeted due to something they have no control over.
Kimberly Castellanos	It is important for me to recognize and understand the ways in which anti-Black racism permeates in all spaces in which I exist, act for justice and inclusive excellence, and celebrate Black Excellence - in the past, present, and future.	Jasmine Osei-Enin	As a Black women in STEM, I can see the blatant inequality in the low number of Black and Brown scientists in my entire building. Work can be quite isolating. I engage because I believe in and understand the importance of these initiatives. I am in a position that many of my fellow Black Americans are not, so it is my duty to make sure that there is active engagement and change in these places that are often inaccessible to oppressed groups. I ask for my colleagues to do their part. In order for that to happen, I need to do mine as well.
Jeanett Castellanos	We must advocate for social equity and social justice. BTI is an excellent plan of action that we must implement for UCI. Increased numbers of Black faculty and staff are necessary. Our black students must also have quality experiences at UCI. Thank you for this opportunity.	Tiana Otubuah	I’m Black and I have gone through and seen anti-Blackness on this campus as a former student, alumna and current staff member.
Brit Cervantes	If I am not doing what I can to learn how I can be anti-racist then I am choosing to participate in upholding the systemic issues that oppress Black people.	Dwayne Pack	My daughter's best friend and a young black woman that I consider to be my daughter have lived with us for more than eight years now and have been part of our lives for almost 13 years. She confronts anti-Black aggressions, acts of bias, prejudice, and bigotry daily. As a middle-aged white man, I feel it is my responsibility to my daughter, my community, and myself to use my privilege to help wherever I can in the fight against racism. I am constantly learning and growing and hope to allow those around me to educate me and create a stage for Black voices to be heard.
Peter Chang	Recently I have begun to learn more about the challenges, hurdles, barriers, etc., that African Americans have suffered in America. As a fellow human being, I am sympathetic and empathetic to suffering, and want to do my part to redress the wrongdoings of America. In so doing, I hope that we may also help make strides toward offsetting wrongdoings done unto other ethnic groups, including Native Americans, Asian Americans, and more.	Sue Padernacht	Justice, equity, respect, care, compassion, understanding, appreciation - all need progress for the Black community at UC and the entire OC environment and ecosystem.
Katie Chappell	I want to acknowledge and confront the ways I have been racist or prejudiced against the black community, consciously or unconsciously, and ensure that black folks feel safe, welcomed, and valued at UCI and in my community.	Nancy Palmer	My family is African-American and I want to help build a promising future them where they don't have to worry about the color of their skin.
Greg Charles	All people are the Children of God. Though many have wandered away from the Lord, He awaits them - ready to forgive them and change their lives in a positive way. We are all God's Children. As the children's song so aptly put it "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white they are precious in His site. Jesus loves the little children of the world.	Eufemia Palomino*	It is important to model this intention in every department at UCI. Even though, as a staff member, I don't integrate with students or faculty that much, it's important to keep the commitment to inclusive excellence through UCI including it's staff. It solidifies the mission and integrates the vision to include all facets at UCI, not just the academic side.
Jeff Charlson	It is time to right the wrongs of structural racism.	Nick Pannunzio	For UCI to be a leader in research, all voices need to be present and heard in our laboratories. Systemic anti-Black racism, and the lack of opportunities and the unfair struggles that it brings for Black Americans, is a problem that has kept too many voices out of the research conversation for far too long and needs to be addressed and confronted head-on.
Hannah Chau	I am taking this pledge as a constant reminder that I have the privilege of being an ally to the Black community. To not use this privilege is a lost opportunity to amplify black voices, stories, and history.	Brian Paredes	Systematic racism is not only alive & well, but it seems to have been recharged given the current state of the nation (polarization). It can be and must be consistently addressed in order to dismantle and ostracize it today and the foreseeable future, where it is completely unacceptable in any way, shape or form.
Sara Chavez	It is important for our generation to completely acknowledge this, AND take actions. It is crucial to our future as a society that the ignorance and unjust hate die with us!	Daniel K. Park	I'm taking the pledge because this work is critical to dismantling oppressive systems and moving us towards liberation for all BIPOC.
Evan Cheng	I wanted to do at least the bare minimum in tackling this issue.	Hannah Park	Racism is rampant in the U.S. and it has got to stop. All humans should be treated equally, with respect and dignity. We can all do better.
Naomi Chesler	Holocaust survivor, author and scholar Elie Wiesel said "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." I am taking this pledge to take sides against racism, especially anti-Black racism, to promote a more just and fair society.	Sharon Parks	We need to do better.
Chun-Chung Choi	Social justice is important to all of us. There is no room for anti-Black racism!	Shraddha Patel	We need a better world for our children. It starts with teaching and leading by example, modeling why loving everyone regardless of color, or anything else matters over everything else. ONE LOVE.
Joana Choi	This pledge indicates that I, as an employee of UCI, am committing my time, energy, and resources for the purpose of this vision becoming a reality. It is imperative that as a university dedicated to growth, we face structural racism in all it's ugliness and state "no more." This pledge indicates that I am taking an individual responsibility to assist in creating an environment for Black students to thrive in school and in their future communities.	Isabel Pavana	I want this campus to be safe and accepting of everyone. No one should have to face discrimination for any reason whatsoever.
Stephen Clancy	It's true that Black Americans have been subject to racism and prejudice in the country for generations. That this continues into the 21st century is troubling and sadly requires extraordinary action.	Jone Pearce	I support this initiative and want to publicly say so.
Madeline Clausen	Because it's 2020 and racism shouldn't be a feature of American society.	Marcelino Pena	each one, teach one Black lives matter “There are some realms in which names, nomination, is premature. My only loyalties are to the morally just world; and my happiest and most stunning opportunity for raising hell with corruption and deceit are with other Black people.” --Cedric J. Robinson
Ian Coller	Raised in another settler colonial society, I know how destructive anti-Black racism is on a global scale, and how urgently we need to address it. A thriving culture for Black people makes a better and richer community for all of us.	Rachel Perry	Because I am grateful to have been shaped by Black teachers and mentors in every step of my career, and I want to support the next generation of Black scholars
Rachael Collins	Aside from the fact that I've spent the entirety of my career in the Composition Program at UCI teaching black American literature and history, mass incarceration, and free speech abuses of black Americans, the pledge is meaningful to me because I am interested in raising awareness of anti-black racism. Equally important is teaching my non-black students that full participation in American identity involves a profound commitment to the black American experience. If this pledge helps to get that message across, I'm glad.	Sarla Persaud	because everyone should be treated fairly
Sean Collins	It is important to me because I want everybody to feel safe and welcome wherever they are. Whether it is on campus, in a grocery store, or at the beach. I don't think black people in this country and most parts of the world are able to feel that right now. That is a big problem to me.	Katherine Perymon	We must all stand up and say out loud that racism continues to be rampant in this country and that we will not tolerate it.
Gabrielle Comfort	For the betterment of our UCI, city, county, state, nation and greater world community.	Roy Petit-Frere	I am a black immigrant. I personally have experienced anti-Black racism.
Dan Cooper	Hate crimes including antisemitism are on the rise in this country. No one has felt this to a greater degree than the black community. The recent hateful ASUCI anti-Israel and anti-semitic resolution prompted me to take the anti-blackness pledge. Hopefully, this will encourage our community to confront all racism in all its ugly forms.	Robert Phalen	I help those in need.
Samantha Costa	As a white person, it's important to recognize not only my own privilege but my inherent role as an oppressor and the necessity for me to help educate other white people to not be racist.	Anh Pham*	In order to overcome systemic oppression, the community must recognize, lift up, and support those most impacted by it.
Michael Cranston	I feel by taking the pledge and committing to action that I can make a difference. It's important that faculty in leadership positions set a positive example. As head of the mathematics department, I am pledged to promote Black representation in mathematics at all levels, undergraduate, graduate, post doctoral and faculty.	Estuardo Ponciano	I acknowledge that anti-black racism exists and it is our responsibility to assess and evaluate our roles in upholding it, whether consciously or not, and ensure we eradicate anti-black racism from our institutions.
Grace Crvarich	Everyone needs to participate in improving the culture so black people are included as full participants at UCI and beyond.	Khamia Powell*	As a student of color, and particularly as a Black student, I am taking this pledge because I acknowledge and have experienced Anti-Blackness across this and many institutions. I appreciate these initial actionable steps that UCI is taking to create a more positive climate where Black students like me can survive and thrive.
Lesley Cuautle	History has held back talented black people for too long and UCI is becoming a part of the initiative to welcome black people and support them into successful careers.	Jessica Pratt*	I believe strongly that to be our best - as individuals, as departments, and as institutions - we need to create cultures and environments where every person can thrive and contribute as their whole authentic self. For this to happen, we need to acknowledge injustices and systemic barriers faced by the Black community and work intentionally to dismantle those in order to work towards a future where everyone can thrive.
Brian Cummings	This pledge is important to me to show support for my black colleagues, students, staff, and friends. Racism is real, white privilege is real. To not even acknowledge the problem is to be part of the problem.	Julie Pyon	Black people have been living with the worst type of treatment one can imagine for hundreds of years, and it is just now coming to light. This is our chance to make things right for our wrongdoing - whether intentional or unintentional, whether active or passive. No individuals should experience fear, pain, hatred for simply existing.
Robin Darling	Resisting anti-blackness and acknowledging my privilege as a white person is a necessary part of fighting oppression. Creating a school and work culture where black people can thrive is necessary for us to move towards collective liberation.	Michelle Quint	To be an employer of choice, UCI needs to be a place where all employees feel valued, seen and heard. Sharing our background, our experiences and our ideas will encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work and the existence of anti-Black racism suppresses this voice in our workplace. Acknowledging the existence of this suppression is a step in confronting racism and committing to inclusive excellence and workplace diversity.
Darlington David	Blacks are human and deserve the similar recognition in every aspect of their lives. We given a fair treatment at work, public places, in the community, at school, etc.	R Radhakrishnan	Black Lives Matter. Therefore All Lives Matter.Not the other way around.
Maggie Davis	It is important to me because I support my friends of color and am heartbroken by the anti-Black racism that has been bubbling to the surface all over our country.	Gregory Rafijah	It is the right thing to do!
Jaylen Davis	All ethnicities should feel comfortable at UCI. I will participate in any step to make that reality.	Regina Ragan	The only way we can transform our community is acknowledging that systemic racism exists and be mindful of changing the cultural and willing to look inward. I am committed to make UCI a community where everyone can thrive and contribute with their unique expertise and life experiences.
Emily Dawidoff	Black people thriving is important to me. I take the pledge to show my support for the UCI initiative and my support for the tenets of the pledge and their application to the world at large.	Katie Raitz	I understand that I have implicit bias against Black people that I can only confront and overcome with active, daily unlearning of that bias and by affirmatively seeking out exposure to Black people's stories, experiences, and excellence. I want to be a part of the cultural shift that ends anti-Black racism, and I also want to be a part of the movement for reparations for Black people in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
Elina Dern	It's important to be truthful about the realities that the Black community faces. We can't fix problems unless we are truthful about them, and no one deserves to suffer because of racism.	Melissa Ramirez	I am taking this pledge for Brianna, my niece, and Marcus, my nephew. I want them to grow up in a world where they do not have to be afraid for their lives because of the color of their skin!
Katherine Diaz	As a Mexican-American mother, I want my children to not be judged on the color of their skin or their ethnic heritage, rather based on the person they are. I am trying to raise my kids to be respectful human beings who support others regardless of their skin color, ethnic background, gender status or sextual orientation, and I want them to embrace these differences.	Teresa Bernadette Raschilla	We need to remove arbitrary barriers to opportunity for everyone, especially Black students, faculty, administrators, and staff to whom recognition and access have been historically denied.
Gregory Diggs-Yang	I, as a man of color and culture, am taking this pledge as part of my own decolonization and healing.	Jody Rawles	Institutional racism continues to effect African American and other minorities in this country. As a leader in the community, UC Irvine needs to make public affirmations and corrective actions to address the explicit and implicit biases that persist in our community.
Michelle Digman	I want to contribute in making UCI an environment that is both supportive, inclusive, and diverse where everyone can thrive.	Tannaz Razzaghi	I'm taking this pledge because I acknowledge that my happiness and success is contingent only by the well-being of all others.
Franklin Dollar	The only way to deal with the many, many catastrophic events from the past is to approach them head on and engage, not by acting like the problem doesn't exist or went away.	Marie Rebeterano	This pledge is important to me because I want to live in a world where black people are seen as equals to everyone else and are not discriminated against because of their skin color.
Emily Dow	We need an institutional policy against racism not just at UCI but at all UC campuses.	Alison Regan	We have a terrific opportunity to work against anti-Black racism and build a thriving culture for Black students, faculty, and staff at UCI. I applaud this initiative.
Jessica Drew De Paz	Taking this pledge is important to me because I want UCI to be a place where all Black people are safe in mind, body, and spirit, and have every opportunity to thrive. When I choose to do nothing, then I am contributing to the problem. Inaction is not antiracist. Rather, antiracism requires action. As a white person who benefits daily from white privilege, I have a desire and a responsibility to do what I can to make these privileges available to every member of our campus community. I have much to learn, and I consider this to be a life-long, deeply enriching journey. I am proud to join with a community of incredible people who are taking this pledge, and cultivating a culture where Black people thrive.	Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio	Every one of us has a part to play in creating a more just community.
Nita Driscoll	I wish to show my support.	Lila Rezaei	I want to help bring about change.
Ellen Druffel	It is the right thing to do.	Katherine Rhodes*	As a Black faculty member, I am taking this pledge because I feel that it is important to stay vigilant in the fight against anti-Blackness. Sometimes I experience racial battle fatigue. Taking this pledge helps me find a renewed sense of strength.
Derek Dunn-Rankin	It is important to recognize that structures exist and are maintained that disadvantage a subset of our society unfairly. Dismantling those structures starts with an admission that they are there.	Debra Richardson	Because anti-racism and social justice are important to me.
Alondra Duran Rodriguez	Taking this pledge is important to me because of my endless support of getting justice for black people and being included in a school where all are welcome in the community.	Jill Richardson	Higher education is a space where all students, staff, and faculty should feel free to learn, work, and thrive unencumbered by others people's biases. We must make a conscious effort to do better for the Black members of the Anteater Family and make UCI a safe and inclusive campus.
James Earthman	Diversity is powerful.	Kelly Richardson	In the words of Angela Davis, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
Karen Edwards	We must all work to end injustice and ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability or sexual orientation have the ability and opportunities to thrive. Anti-Black racism and violence can not be tolerated and everyone must take action to end this.	Ingrid Richey	I want to be a part of a community where everyone has the same opportunities, respect and a community that is open to learning and growing with all backgrounds. I have loved ones whom I would want to be treated kindly with respect everyday and feel they have the same opportunities to thrive.
Sherwin Eftekharian	There are many black members within my organization that I would like to help gain the same privileges that me or some of the other brothers in our fraternity. It is important to support our brothers not only within our own fraternity, but across all students and student organizations on campus.	Chrstopher Richmond	This matters to us all. We move forward, together, or we are bound to the mistakes of our past.
Magnus Egerstedt	Diversity makes us better; as researchers, as educators, and as human beings. This pledge acknowledges that simple fact!	Amy Ricks	Inclusive Excellence, equal opportunity, and diversity have been core values of the UC system for as long as I can recall. We have an opportunity to not only do the right thing here, but to have critical and honest conversations with open minds to improve the professional and academic advancement of Black people at UCI and within our community and in doing so, improve us all. We absolutely have to ask questions, educate ourselves and others... engaging in critical conversations is so important, especially in academia where we work together globally to make a better future for all. We should consider ourselves fortunate to be at a critical time in U.S. history with the opportunity of a reckoning and acknowledgement of institutionally racist roots in higher education to reject and dismantle anti-Blackness and racism.
Michelle Emeterio	Because goals are more likely to happen when you put them in writing. To the best of my ability, I have been an ally to the black community for as long as I can remember, but my "best" was often far from enough. There is always room for growth and more action.	Joni Ricks-Oddie	I am dedicated to the advancement of Black people and think it is vitally important for others to do the same.
Christian Eno	I owe it to my Black sisters and brothers to confront anti-Blackness and get over my feelings of discomfort, for the Black community has felt uncomfortable all their lives.	Laura Rico	The university cannot live up to its full potential as a leader in research, teaching and innovation if Black people are excluded or unable to thrive. Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. Creating a culture of opportunity and inclusion benefits all of us.
Somphone Eno*	This pledge is my commitment to learn more about anti-Black racism so I can better support the Black community. It is important for me that everyone has open access to the same opportunities and resources to thrive.	Lucretia Riley	Taking this pledge is important to me is because it raises awareness of why there is racism in this country. it is important to continue to build education surrounding this topic and keeping it relevant.
Doug Everhart	As a health promotion professional, all forms of racism, and especially anti-Black racism, is a public health issue and crisis. If people don't have access to resources, or feel connected to and part of the campus community, they can't be adequately served, much less thrive.	Ahtziri Rios-Aguirre	This pledge is important to me because I despise racism in all forms and will go above and beyond to be the change I want to see in society. All people deserve to live safely and happily, despite their physical appearance. No one should have to worry about losing their lives because of others' ignorance and prejudice. BLACK LIVES MATTER and they will always matter.
Lauar Ewell	I want to be part of building a culture where Black people thrive - I want this culture to be the culture of all of my communities (private - professional - local - global).	Ronald Rivera	We all have the right to exist in spaces that are both comfortable and supportive. Acknowledging this pledge allows us to continue creating this environment for our colleagues and students.
George Farkas	The pledge is important to me because it is imperative that we right the wrong that is Black under-representation in higher education.	Richard Robertson	Let's cut to the chase; Black Lives Matter. The quality of my life is linked to the quality of life of my Black brothers and sisters. If I disrespect anyone, I disrespect myself.
Saira Fazli	It is important to acknowledge the continued existence of anti-Black racism as a critical first step in the fight to dismantle anti-Black racism. I am committed to doing my part to support our Black communities within and outside of UCI.	Liz Robison	Because racism and discrimination towards anyone is wrong. People have been hurt and continue to be hurt. It is wrong. This behavior needs to change. Let's start now.
Raul Fernandez	My name is Raul Fernandez I am the Program Director of Wellness Center South in Lake Forest. I have black members in our community and I want to take the pledge to help our black community members thrive.	Anjane Rodgers	Making this pledge is important because anti-blackness is a real problem and unfortunately still exists even at UCI.
Marcello Fiocco*	Because anti-Black racism is abhorrent and wrong and I want to do something, however small, to build a culture where Black people thrive	Natalia Rodriguez	Taking this pledge because black lives matter. It is imperative we uplift our black community and defeat anti-blackness.
Jan Fisher	Because Black Lives should have always mattered.	Tabitha Roman	This is important because racism still exists today and we should take action to at least prevent it here on campus.
Lisa Flanagan	Long-standing systemic racism prevents us from recognizing our full potential as a University and as a nation. We need active steps to overcome it.	Alyssa Romea	I see myself as someone who's both oppressor and oppressed. My possession of certain privileges means that I benefit from systems that oppress others; at the same time, my belonging to marginalized groups means that I suffer from other systems that oppress me. This duality reminds me that my inaction comes at the cost of preventable suffering. I want to work for a country that is more fair and more just, knowing that that's worth all the time and energy it will take.
Cristina Flores*	The pledge is important for me because we are all responsible for creating inclusive learning and working environments that validate the humanity Black people.	Vicki Ronaldson	committed to UCI continuing to develop as a safe place of xlnt learning for ALL students.
Matthew Flyntz	Because I want to make sure Black students feel respected, supported, and safe, both in my classroom and beyond.	Alisson Rowland	Understanding and unlearning anti-Blackness is my responsibility as a member of academia and a member of society.
Molly Ford	This pledge is a public declaration of my intentions to evolve when it comes to my understanding of and participation in anti-black racism and that I will work to affect change in those around me going forward.	Aubrey Rudd	By taking the pledge, I'm recognizing that I still have work to do, but I'm willing collectively with my UC Irvine community.
Roxanne Ford*	I know understand that not doing anything overtly or intentionally Anti-Black is not enough. I need to be a part of the solution to Anti-Blackness so America is a country where Black people thrive.	Cynthia Rude	I want to acknowledge my privilege as I do the hard work to understand anti-black racism and the systemic changes that must be made. I don't want to sit on the sidelines, I want to be a participant in needed change.
Michelle Fortier	It is an important first step in working toward disrupting and dismantling systems that uphold anti-Black racism.	Amy Ruth	We have to take this opportunity that has been given to all of us to do the right thing. We have to use this collective motivation to improve our society and really be "better" and finally more just.
Norbert Fortin	My family is interracial (my kids are Black, I'm white). Equity is a topic that is always on our minds and something I care deeply about. Even then, over the last few months, it became clear that I still didn't fully understand what our Black students are going through on a daily basis. It embarrasses me that I could be so off-the-mark on this, but there's a valuable lesson to learn here: we all need to educate and dedicate ourselves to this cause.	Richard Rycraw	Because as a Black man who grew up in Orange County, and as an employee with 6 years experience working within the UC, I have a responsibility to be a part of the solution and to stand for what is right. The UC can be a model for the type of positive change that is needed nationwide.
Christie Fowler	It is critical that we identify anti-Black racism, whether overt or implicit, and commit to educating ourselves to make long-lasting personal and institutional changes to achieve a thriving, diverse culture. These efforts may then serve as a model to extend into other community organizations and thereby exert a broad impact, both locally and worldwide.	Katie Salen	I believe in the work that needs to be done to make UCI a place where Black students, faculty, staff and other members of our community thrive. I stand for anti-racism and commit to working on behalf of efforts to support Black lives.
Elizabeth "Betsy" Franklin	I am striving to be an anti-racist. I pledge to work daily toward changing racist policies and acknowledging my role and responsibility for making this change.	Valerie Sanchez	It is important for everyone to celebrate their individuality and cultural history. I am and want to continue to be part of a culture that supports and encourages an environment where black people thrive.
Marcy Froehlich	I believe in equality, and opportunity that has no limits of any kind.	Suzanne Sandmeyer	This pledge is important because to me diversity is a core value that must be built into the fabric of our institutions. To some of us that is a given that we do not think about every day. The black community has not had that luxury. If we cannot articulate that we support them they never will.
Tony Gao	Equality and sharing is very important to our community we live in. We need to stop racism right now so people will be more than happy to join us as a big family.	Rossella Santagata	I'd like to join the UCI community in acknowledging the existence of anti-Black racism, recognize that as part of the larger system I also might contribute to racist practices, recognize that Black people are constantly devoting energy to manage the detrimental effects of racism on their health, life, and success, and most importantly, join others at UCI and beyond in dismantling systems and practices that marginalize and hurt Black people in order to create spaces where Black people thrive.
Olivia Garcia	I believe it will help to bring awareness and will help to address injustice, racism and inequality. I want my colleagues to feel supported and respected.	Francis Santhiagu	As an social activist I proud to have that
Nathan Garcia	I believe that by making an active effort to be against anti-black racism is a challenge. By taking this pledge I commit to that challenge how ever difficult it may be. Sometimes the effort will easy and in other situations it may be difficult. It is important to stand in opposition against anti-black racism at all times.	David Santucci	Taking this pledge is important to me because I want real progress and I believe in a future for this planet that is built on peace, harmony, mutual respect, trust, cooperation, and love. We cannot continue to pretend that racism in America isn't still a problem today--both on a personal level and systemically--and we cannot expect society to magically correct all our inequities and injustices if we do not take action. Especially if we are not willing, each as individuals, to take a good honest look in the mirror and see where we have failed in the past, and where we must do better going forward. And we cannot simply expect "the authorities" to fix everything for us. Certainly they must do their part--but we must each be willing to do our part as well. It will take every individual to solve this problem together, as this is a human problem caused by humans. Every life deserves the same dignity, respect, and opportunity that every other life does. Black Lives Matter!!!
Careesa Garcia	I think it's important to actively recognize the existence of anti-Black racism, especially in a large organization such as UCI, which has so much influence on the community in which it resides and across other universities. We must have a firm stance in acknowledging and confronting anti-Blackness as individuals first to make an impact as a group.	Heidy Sasvin	Change is long overdue! However, this pledge is a step in the right direction. It is an acceptance that Racism in healthcare is real. Black students, residents, faculty, and staff deserve to be in a safe and thriving environment. As an ally, I want Black people to be treated and valued equally. As physicians, we made a commitment to serve all people and promote health equity; It is time to hold ourselves accountable. #BlackLivesMatter #StopRacismInHealthcare #EndAntiBlackness
Karla Garcia	No problem can be solved alone. I recognize how hurt Black people are and how they have always struggled to achieve fairness so any step towards helping Black people strive is important. I pledged to always be an ally to the Black community and to provide support to any movement or statement that will allow Black people to live more comfortable and/or be treated fairly.	Marisa Schaeffer	Racism has no place in our society...it never did.
Andrew Garcia	We must initiate the change we wish to see in the world - every exodus begins with one step and I want to be part of it's genesis	Emily Schindler	It is important to me, as a white ally, that I take every opportunity to offer my voice in support of black people in my community and beyond.
Eric Gardner	Acknowledgment is the first step in healing which in turn can be the spark that ignites change.	Margaret Schneider	I want to be part of the solution
Reginald Gardner*	While I hope that my efforts across campus promote a more safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all graduate students, I want to be very clear in my dedication to the success of black folks affiliated with the university in any way. (well beyond my constituents) Further, I want this to help students that don't know what they can do, to serve as a catalyst for conversation and action. “You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great." - Les Brown	Adam Schneider	This pledge is important to me because I believe that social environments are enriched when perspectives from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds are included in decision making. I grew up in predominantly white suburb of Columbus, Ohio, where anti-Black racism cultivates an ongoing culture of white supremacy. Moreover, my friends from back home proudly perpetuate anti-Black racism via their social media posts and their support for former President Donald Trump and other like-minded politicians. Although I have benefited from having white privilege, I also feel that, because of anti-Black racism, I have been deprived of socially enriched environments where people of color can also thrive. I find this reality both depressing and galvanizing.
Jordan Garner	Racism against Black, Indigenous, and other people of color is everywhere - not just in acts of prejudice between individuals, as systemic racism clearly exists as well. Yet, every day I hear people who are far too skeptical of organizations that seek to educate the public on these matters; more than ever before, people are embracing echo chambers and conspiracy theories rather than unity, consensus, and democracy. Those of us privileged enough to read the science on social injustice have a moral responsibility to spread the truth: To help everyone use their minds and better nature to restructure our society to be as just, free, and democratic as possible.	Olivia Schnur	Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and without using slurs against one another. I believe in treating others with respect, kindness, fairness, dignity, etc.
David Gibbons	While I was raised by very accepting parents and did not experience racism in my school or community growing up, I have realized that there exist many stereotypes and roles in media, as well as negative messaging from figures of authority that have affected me none-the-less in how I grew up to view the world and its people.	Anat Schwartz	Acknowledging and confronting anti-Blackness is essential for reparations and systemic change.
Laura Gold	I am continually outraged and astonished by the overt and convert racism that saturates this country. Enough is enough!	Nina Scolnik	Personal accountability is where this work begins. If we are committed to creating transformational change on this campus, we must be willing to look deep into ourselves to interrogate our privilege and how it impacts the larger and smaller communities in which we live.
Adam Goldberg	In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial 'outside agitator' idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.” It’s now almost 60 years later and unfortunately we as a nation have not taken this advice to heart. I want to be a part of creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and especially black people, because as a demographic they have often been disregarded, disrespected, and seen as second class citizens in a Nation that has not done enough to protect them. We have a long way to achiever liberty and justice for all- and complacency is the same thing as perpetuating this injustice. So I will not be complacent.	Shruti Scott	Because racism is real, even within healthcare and we must be proactive in recognizing its existence and providing the best care to all patients.
Jacob Gomez Rubio	I strive to be a better person every single day. I also hope to influence others to do the same for themselves. I hope to live in a world where people can celebrate difference.	Hayley Searez	I think it’s important because it’s time for the black community to gain respect. They have to live in a world of fears and it shouldn’t be like that all, they should be able to live at peace, not in a world full of so much hate.
Amanda Gonzales	I want to better understand how I can be more aware and help fight injustice on campus and beyond.	Steven Seyedin	Because everyone should have the same wonderful experience of working at UCI and feel a part of the UCI family regardless of race.
Andrea Gonzalez	A truly anti-racist future at UCI can not be achieved without acknowledgment of the past that has made the present unsustainable and inequitable.	Amy Shine	We're stronger, better, more successful when we're ALL able to confidently collaborate, knowing we'll be respected.
Yolitzma Gonzalez	To make a solemn commitment to human dignity and human rights.	Beheroze Shroff	I feel the pain and loss of each innocent life taken. I work very closely with African descended communities in India. Each life taken reminds me of how precarious life is for Black people. I want my students to understand this situation and stand together at this time of great loss for all of us
Melinda Gormley	I have studied scientific racism and eugenics as a historian of science and taught scientific integrity and research ethics courses. I try to find positive role models who can be discussed, rather than dwell on atrocities of the past. I am too familiar with the long history of systemic racism to be a bystander and I want to be part of the solutions.	Daniel Siakel*	A pledge or vow constitutes, not only a public declaration, but also an inner intensification, of the virtues that one values at both micro- and macroscopic scales. Renewing one's commitment to the intrinsic values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, moreover, occasions a renewal of oneself, a renewal of the inspiration to once again question one's behavior so that one can live in accordance with the values that all-too-often manifest primarily as abstract ideals, rather than concrete calls-to-action.
Juliana Goswick	To recognize history and move our country forward to create a positive future	Eli Simon	Nothing matters more than supporting Black students, staff and faculty and doing everything we can to improve the academy for them.
Chasen Greene	I’m black. I’m human.	Kaitlyn Smith	Educating ourselves is the first step towards experiencing empathy and respect, which I believe are necessary at the most basic levels of human interaction. I hope that by educating myself I may spread that belief to others, as well as use this knowledge to celebrate the many accomplishments and innovations Black people have contributed to the world.
Kevin Greif	Diversity and inclusion are necessary for any institution to thrive, especially one that relies on the free and open exchange of ideas.	Isabelle Soifer	I want BIPOC at UCI to be and feel safe and not have to fear police violence, micro and macro aggressions, or any other forms of physical or mental harm. I hope that with this pledge will come the destruction of the police system at UCI that serves to oppress BIPOC.
Lorna Griffitt	It's the least we can do to try to build a more equitable culture.	Pat Sommer	It's the right thing to do. Acknowledgement of the four tenets of the pledge is a necessary and first step to creating a thriving culture for Black people.
Donna Grochow	It wasn't until this year that I realized how much racism still existed in America. I truly believed we had progressed much more than we had and I was stunned at what I have learned this year. I always prided myself on being inclusive and not being a racist, but never thought about microaggression, white fragility, or the daily fear many black people live with simply because of the color of their skin. I am so embarrassed and saddened that I was so ill informed and that I did not see or acknowledge this before now.	Karissa Sorenson	Taking this pledge is important to me because I want to be a part of the discussion, the solution, the change needed to build a thriving culture for Black people.
Daniel M. Gross	Explicit acknowledgment of this issue is important. I say that as a parent who has a couple of biracial children in the IUSD, which has never acknowledged anti-black racism at the district level on down through its major institutions. All we got was one initial bland statement about how IUSD has always been diverse + follow-up material about wellness. UCI is doing very well by contrast! IUSD should pay more attention to us in this regard.	Anna Lynn Spitzer	It time to acknowledge systemic racism and do whatever we can to eliminate it.
Ann Guthrie	Each one of us must be actively anti-racist. If we aren't active in this pursuit, we are compliant.	Michael Stamos	To achieve the greatness we aspire to, we MUST confront the issues around racism that exist on our campus. That starts with listening better than in the past, and with asking the right questions of ourselves and our colleagues.
Betty Guthrie	It's important to me because I believe deeply that racism affects all of us, whatever "racial" group we identify with. The injustice experienced by African Americans, Indigenous Americans, Muslim Americans, and other people of color makes our country, our communities, and our individual lives poorer. I want to be part of a society that values and actively seeks to dignify every human being.	Sarah Steele	Creating a more just society starts with recognizing the inequities currently present
Rafaela Mercy Gutierrez	All humans bleed the same color. No one is perfect, but we all can make a positive change.	Constance Steinkuehler	As a white woman from the midwest, raised by German immigrant farmers, I was told a family narrative of hard work and perseverance. I am proud to be the first generation in my family to go to college. But only now do I realize that I was given advantages that others did not and do not get. I have a lot to learn about racial justice and equity, and there is no time like the present to get to it. I'm grateful to UCI for providing pathways for us to do the hard work of understanding and then fixing our structural racism in the US.
Sofia Gutierrez	I'm taking this pledge as a Mexican American for I personally have benefited from the life threatening efforts of African Americans to be acknowledged, and as a child of immigrant parents and as an English Language Learner who have been a target of micro and macro aggressions at school and at work, I stand in solidarity with the hope of Building A Culture Where Black People Thrive, for together we all thrive!	Daniel Stepanov	I think ending race-related issues on campus is very important to the safety of our community
Geronimo Guzman	I am Native American and Mexican Indian. I have grown up to understand and experience racism among my own community and acknowledge that the same prejudice experiences exist for people of other communities.	Diana Stephens	It is important to me to be a member of an inclusive and diverse work place.
Lynda Haas	Be the change you want to see. For too long, we as a society have refused to acknowledge, understand, recognize, and confront the systemic racism that gives unearned advantages and disadvantages based on skin color.	Michael Strand	Equality is at the core of my beliefs and I truly believe in the importance of coming together to recognize anti-black discrimination, in all forms, such that we can continue to eliminate it from our community. The reality is that this prejudice and bigotry still exists and continues to hold our society back.
Fadia Haddad	I believe in human equality and oneness, we are all one which means we have the same essence of the divine in us. Every race is a color of a beautiful rainbow of humanity. God created all of us equal and to his image. We need to move above and beyond racism in order to have peace on earth. I dream of universal peace when every human being can prosper and feel safe loved and appreciated.	Randy Styner	An inclusive environment is critical to achiving a world-class campus.
Nicole Hadley	Another context that holds me accountable in taking action for social equality. As a Certified Child Life Specialist and future Marriage and Family Therapist acknowledging anti-Black racism is one context of an intersectionality my work with clients and patients but more importantly in my relationships with others.	Alex Sutherland	Anti-blackness is an important issue that I want UCI to take seriously. Participating in this pledge is a small step towards making sure UCI knows this is an important issue for everyone, but especially for grad students.
Bambi Haggins	I want to hold myself accountable. I want Antiracism, equity and inclusion to be central motivations in my classes and my scholarship. I want to speak about it whenever possible because it is not longer tolerable for me not to do so.	Amanda Swain*	Real change only comes when we collectively, institutionally and publicly confront anti-Blackness racism.
Mike Hallinan	As a member of the UCI Police Department there has been no greater time in policing to connect to the community in which we serve. Acknowledging racism exists and working towards its elimination is paramount. I along with all UCI Police employees are collectively committed to nurturing collaborative partnerships with individuals, groups, and our campus partners. This overall philosophy is reflected in service to and inclusion of all segments of our campus community.	Labiba Syeed	No one deserves to be treated differently. It does not matter what we look like, our personal heritage, our backgrounds, our hair, our skin--whatever it is, that should not be the sole basis for any division. Division creates adversity, but humanity has never been successful in the presence of suffering; thus, when we unite, lift each other up, nurture a positive environment, and support one another, we achieve so much more. Our Black brothers and sisters deserve to be treated with respect, with dignity, as we would for anybody else. We all are humans at the end of the day: existing because of the biology within us, the science surrounding us, the creatures living amongst us. When a small or large misconception crawls into our minds, and we do not actively work to eliminate such negative thoughts, even though it is not verbally or physically hurting an individual's feelings, our unconscious actions and behaviors can reflect that misconception. Thus, adding to the already vast existence of racism, specifically anti-Black racism. It is crucial for us to do our part, educate ourselves, be willing to learn from our mistakes, and help one another to reduce and ultimately end this prejudice. I am not Black, nor will I ever truly understand, feel, endure what my Black brothers and sisters go through, but I wish to stand up for them. I hope by taking this pledge, learning more, and spreading positive messages, I do a small act of my own, so the Black community can thrive wherever they may be. We are humans. We should not bring each other down. We humans rise together. If in this message I have stated anything hurtful, wrongful, or offensive--that is not my intention--I sincerely apologize. Please let me know of any wrongdoings. Thank you. I
Rhonda Halverson	I want to live in a world where everyone, no matter our differences of race, ethnicity, sexuality or anything else, is treated the same and treated with respect. Every person should be seen as a human being, first and foremost.	Celia Symons*	Taking this pledge is important to me because the scientific community to which I belong has a long history of racial inequality. We are in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement and global protests, and it is time to make the changes called for by the Black community. Efforts to promote diversity and build inclusiveness in academia, while a core value, are far from complete. In order to truly achieve the ultimate aim of dismantling racism in science, we must first face the uncomfortable truth of our complicity. We must listen to our Black colleagues and students, and educate ourselves to develop a better understanding of the practices, traditions, and biases that have fueled behaviors that perpetuate racial inequality. This pledge is one of the first steps to acknowledging complicity in practices that reinforce white supremacy and committing to the work of combatting implicit bias and explicit racism against Black people.
Sherine Hamdy	Because anti-black racism is saturated in every aspect of U.S. history and society; if we are not addressing and fighting the problem, then we are a part of the problem!	Golnaz Tabibnia	When part of our community hurts, we all hurt. Taking this pledge is a part of a larger effort to help change the culture that creates that hurt.
Barbara Hamrick	Because it is long past time we recognize and work to correct the anti-Black racism that still exists in this society, and is now being exacerbated by the current president of the United States. We need to examine the details of this anti-Black racism in all its manifestations - the workplace, policing, the courts, healthcare, housing, and education. White people need to reflect upon their own privilege, acknowledge its existence, and reject it in all its forms.	Homaira Tahmass	I am an Afghan Muslim female and have faced the harsh reality of racisms directed towards me and my family. I stand with my black brothers and sisters and will fight with them because their fight is mines too. If it’s not then, it’ll be be. If it’s not us, it’ll be someone else. Oppression is a game of dominoes, it’s only a matter of time before you’re knocked down. Acting like the problem isn’t there doesn’t mean it’s not coming your way.
Grace Han	I recognize my own unconscious biases and want to confront them in order to make a more inclusive and equitable workplace and living community for people of all races and ethnicities.	Shauhin Talesh	We must attempt to root out racism and inequality in our society. Confronting anti-blackness in educational institutions is a step in that direction. I am hopeful that we can all do our part to improve society.
Dylan Hanami	Anti-black racism has negatively affected too many lives. Black lives matter.	Elaine Tannouz	An an immigrant myself, we dream of United States of America as home of equal opportunities to everyone despite their color, ethnicity, or origin. I wish for my fellow African Americans as I wish for myself.
Janice Hansen	I want students to know that I recognize and am actively working to root out the bias I have been raised to normalize as a member of the majority culture. And, I want to step out of the way so that voices too long suppressed are able to be heard. Finally, I want to celebrate with my Black students and colleagues the unique contributions they make to our community and across the globe.	Lisa Taylor	So many things come to mind. Black people deserve to be in spaces that recognize and appreciate who they are as individuals and the value they bring to every community. The emotional labor that is exerted in order to neutralize the 'threat' that personal, professional, and public spaces view them as is completely unacceptable. I have witnessed micro- and macro- aggressions towards minority groups, and being complacent with systems that create this disadvantage for black people is shameful. They deserve better. They deserve more. We, as a community and society, will never reach our fullest potential if our system is set up for those to fail before they even try. I absolutely want to be part of the solution and not the problem, and I can only be that by helping with the work that needs to be done. This includes introspection and having difficult conversations with those who are unaware, or aware, of what needs to be done.
Matthew Hanson	As Director of New Ventures at UCI's Beall Applied Innovation, we are committed to active, intentional outreach and engagement with all under-represented groups, supporting their journey towards their unique American Dream.	Darryl Taylor*	I support the intentional and proactive addressing of correcting the inequities rendered by anti-blackness
Amanda Harris	I feel very strongly that we must attack systemic racism from all angles. All systems should be evaluated with fresh set of eyes, careful to convey a strong message of inclusion.	Jennifer Terry	Because this country was built on the backs of Black people and they have been responsible for some of our greatest achievements, including saving democracy again and again despite the fact that they are constantly marginalized, undermined, and subjected to violence by the dominant structures and institutions of our nation.
Ronald M Harris, Md, Mba	Because there is so much effort expended in dealing with micro and macro aggressions, intended or not. The era of Trump has made this erfrort much more intense and it will take many years for this to revert to baseline...	Leslie Thompson	i don't think i fully appreciated some of the more subtle and unconscious aspects of bias and micro-aggressions and from following the Black Lives Matter movement have become committed to doing my part
Hope Hart	Because my children’s lives depend on it	Gregory Timberlake	This is long overdue. As a person who identifies as White, I do not encounter negative effects from bias, prejudice and bigotry. We all need to work together so everyone is treated with respect and grace. As my mother told me years ago, never judge a book by it's cover.
Brandon Haskey-Valerius	Truly creating an environment where Black students, faculty, and staff are supported and equal means I must examine my relationship to anti-Blackness. I am dedicated to doing the work, learning, and being better.	Heidi Tinsman	When I arrived at UCI 23 years ago, UCI was a difficult place for Black faculty and students, and it still is today. It is important to be proactive in examining our relationships to structural anti-Blackness and I very much welcome the focus on "anti-Blackness" as a distinct form of racism with its own particular history. This is an important moment to make changes at all levels of the university and in all forms of intellectual work.
Christa Hatch	My father is black and has dealt with racism throughout his life, even being chased by the KKK in his youth. My cousins are also black and endure much more racism than I do due to my colorism privilege. It's important for me to recognize my privilege as a lighter skinned person of color and use my privilege to help build a better community for black people and other people of color.	George Tita	A significant portion of professional career has been dedicated to reducing gun violence in highly impacted communities - communities that are disproportionately comprised of African American residents. I realize that I must work harder to understand the role that anti-Black racism plays in perpetuating violence in these marginalized communities. This also goes for my teaching and mentoring at UCI - I must be better at addressing these topics in the classroom and in interacting with Black graduate students.
John Hauscarriague	The pledge is a way for me to express my support for the work needed to rectify the injustices endured by Black people.	Doug Tobias	This pledge affirms my continuing efforts to dismantle anti-Black racism on our campus and within the broader community.
Michele Haynes	As a person who holds direct responsibility for attracting and recruiting new staff members, and ensuring that the recruitment process is the most productive, respectful, and bias-free possible, I gladly pledge to support this culture change.	Edleen Tong	Taking this pledge is important in establishing an inclusive community. I have to do my part in participating and ensuring more is done to diminish anti-Black efforts and racism overall.
Douglas Haynes	Because being black, is not illegal.	Andrew Tonkovich	Proud of our UCI institutional, administrative effort. Grateful for the invitation, and this opportunity to pledge and, yes, demonstrate solidarity. Thank you for leading our community, our County, our UC system in efforts supporting everyday individual and collective efforts to address --- and destroy --- anti-Black racism through organizing and education.
Elena Heide	I believe that it is imperative that I use my power as a future physician to promote anti-racism in medicine and advocate for my patient communities. I aim to continually educate myself and confront the racist ideologies and institutions that have long lead to poorer health outcomes for Black patients. I hope to see my Black patients not only survive, but thrive.	Jeanie Toscano	Without taking a conscious step as individuals and as a community, things will continue as before. We must deliberately acknowledge our own roles in perpetuating structures of domination and our own roles in macro and micro aggressions toward Black and Brown individuals. Without conscious and deliberate acknowledgement of our own roles in these racial practices, there is no healing for any of us. Without such acknowledgment, we continue to do the labor of these structural monsters that dehumanize us all.
Carrie Hempel	I pledge to be part of this essential effort to create a better world, one step at a time.	Aaron Trammell	As Black faculty I think that acknowledging the persistence of anti-Black racism in our institution is crucial to developing a welcoming environment for myself and the students I teach and mentor.
June Herman	I wanted to take the pledge to contribute my voice in the effort to confront racism and bias. It seems a small gesture but I strive to do all I can to promote a culture of acceptance and inclusivity where we all can thrive.	Karen Tran-Harding Md	I noticed that there are not a lot of black staff and residents at UCI Medical Center. It was a little bit alarming coming to UCI after my medical training in a deep red state where there were more black staff, residents, and medical students. We need to change that!
Victoria Hernandez	Taking this pledge is important to me because I think that its essential for our generation to realize the internalized and systemic racism we hold unconsciously.	Christina Treble	I hope that by taking this pledge, my Black community members will feel seen and valued, because you are! To me taking this pledge signifies that I am motivated to make changes to myself, to UCI, and to this country to pursue an end to anti-Blackness.
Xavier Hernandez*	Because UCI has the knowledge and resources to be a leader in the conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We must be proactive in promoting these principles as an essential aspect of our professional and academic endeavors. We can no longer be reactive; such thinking reinforces a deficit thinking model of diverse populations and identities. Diversity must not be pigeonholed to times of crisis. Diversity, equity, and inclusion enable us to thrive at all times.	Tim Trevan	Simply put, I want to be a part of real progress, solutions and healing that have been needed for a very, very long time.
Julie Herrick	Because we have a long way to go in rooting out anti-black racism	Cheryl Turrise	Hate and division in this nation needs to end NOW! Are we UNITED or what?!?
Melenn Herve	As a white person, it is my job to reject the white-supremisist and anti-black rhetoric/systems/culture in the United States and around the world. I must unlearn and be actively anti-racist everyday. I must do this in order to bring about a better, more equitable, world	Vivian U	The whole #BlackLivesMatter movement have opened my eyes to social injustice in our society as well as in our academic community, and it cannot be unseen. Beyond the initiatives taken during the summer, I want to keep supporting our Black colleagues and keep the movement's momentum going. Only when racial equity is achieved when our community, and our society as a whole, can truly move forward.
Donald Hill	Because BLACK LIVES MATTER!	Kristina Uban	I would like to see a rapid shift in science from maintaining the status quo that biases successful promotion of white people, to an anti-racist scientific system that will lead to higher quality of research for our society.
Andrew Hill	It is important for me just to support this important work being done at UCI. From my perspective as a long-time employee and former student, I have seen the climate regarding race at UCI improve over the years, but not much. I don't think the needle of progress will move much on its own and it is time to start pushing.	Lauren Urban	to confront anti-Blackness to build a thriving culture for Black people
Arielle Hinojosa-Garcia*	The only way for us all to move forward as a community and an institution of education is to recognize the role (conscious or unconscious) we have played in anti-black sentiment.	Jennifer Valerin	Because no one should feel ashamed to live in their skin.
Joanna Ho	I support this imperative initiative in our multi-cultural society. Although this has been my view, I want to explicitly state my commitment to inclusive excellence.	Charlotte Van Dyck	The vast amount of ignorance and sheer denial I see in so many US citizens regarding anti-Blackness an Black-aimed violence is abhorrent. I do not want my future children, or any future generations, to live in a society so full of hate that not every child grows up with proper nourishment, nurturing, and opportunity, being judged only on the color of the skin and not the unique humanity housed within their bodies.
Karen Hobson	Taking this pledge is important to me because there is no room for racism in our country, or world for that matter. Racism needs to stop! Black people should be able to live and thrive without the fear of being discriminated against. Enough is enough!	Hope Vang	Antiblackness is integrated in Asian American communities because of systemic racism implemented in much of the US's history. I strongly believe in changing this mindset and bias against black people, and I hope to make it known that much of the Asian American experience directly correlates to the experience of black Americans, so we should stand united.
Rosanna Horton	I had the good fortune to grow up in San Francisco and saw the positive changes when supporting black communities and want to support our UCI black communities in anyway I can. I pledge to always be open to learn more and be of service for our black communities.	Gabriela Vasquez	Taking this pledge is important to me because in order to have a thriving community, we need to hold ourselves accountable. This pledge is a great place to start with accountability. As someone who believes in treating others with kindness and respect there is no excuse to not take this pledge.
Ryan Hulbert	I have family and friends that are Black and I want to support the Black Thriving Initiative and the Black community.	Vijay Vazirani	For fairness and because it is the right thing to do!
Keri Hurley-Kim	I have benefitted from white privilege my whole life, and I see more and more the profound effect it has on my life. Our opportunities are so often defined more by the family and the skin we are born into than anything else, and there is no excuse for that. I did not choose to be born white, but I can choose to recognize systemic racism, and do my part to promote equity.	Joel Veenstra*	We have gone too long not recognizing the inequity and injustices that exist for black people in our community. It is essential that we each individually commit daily to raising awareness of these issues in order to make the necessary change for our entire community to thrive!
Sakina Ibrahim	It is vital to transform spaces that are not traditionally welcoming to Black people and provide the proper resources and outlets for Black people to thrive.	Praveen Veerasubramanian	Because it is the right thing to do! We, as a society, can do better to promote equality and fight bigotry at all levels.
Nehal Idris	I identify myself as a woman of color and Black and taking this pledge means a lot to me.	Charles Vega	I take this pledge to help create a better culture that helps Black people thrive.
Shannon Ingram	I believe the time has come to acknowledge white privilege and the very real existence of anti-Black racism. I am really proud of our School of Biological Sciences announcing Professor Michael Yassa as the first Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Taking this pledge is incredibly meaningful to me now and for the rest of my life...	Vasan Venugopalan	“Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.” – Mahatma Gandhi "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." -Desmond Tutu "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” — Dr Martin Luther King Jr
Sharrissa Iqbal	This pledge is meaningful because of where our country stands today. It is crucial to situate ourselves at a turning point towards greater understandings of anti-blackness in our culture and to acknowledge the need to help Black culture thrive in our community.	Linda Vickers	Taking this pledge is important to me because I am a Black person who whishes to help others in understanding diversities and applying them with love and understanding
Emily Isaacson	Everyone is equal/of equal importance and should be treated as so. Racism is unacceptable and must be dealt with.	Jacob Villa	It is extremely important that all people recognize the prejudice and racism that Black people face on a daily basis with every aspect of their lives.
Autumn Ivy	It is time for us as a UCI community to recognize that in order to live up to being named "doing the most for the American Dream," (NYT College Access Index) we must ensure we confront historical structures and mindsets in academia that perpetuate inequality. This starts with Black Thriving!	Magdalena Villalba	Any reputable university must do everything in its power to ensure that all students, faculty, staff, and alumni thrive in their education and their future. Part of that is entails acknowledging that black individuals have been historically under supported in university settings and actively working to remedy this inequality.
R Jayakrishnan	I take the pledge to see the America become the America that I thought it was, before I came to this country in 1985, but realized it was becoming less and less of, over these years.	Trung Vu	Racism whatsoever has no place in our society!
Bridgette Jeffcoat	The pledge is such a small piece to show support. When faced with something similar, I wanted to know that others were aligned with me, supporting me.	Raj Vyas	Because it’s obvious (not political) that Black Lives Matter. Because all peoples are inherently equally capable, deserving of love, and ready to flourish when justly supported. Because of centuries of slavery never properly acknowledged nor justly rectified. Because it’s the least I/we can do.
Robin Jeffers	Racism has always been here but for several years now the demonstration of intolerance and bigotry are no longer things whispered among very close friends; people are emboldened and willing to say/act what they feel. I believe that when parents send their kids to UCI, it is with the hope that they will be safe, nurtured and protected while in pursuit of their academic goals. I think that it is my personal responsibility to ensure that we live up to their expectation not just for the students but for other staff and faculty, as well. I am my brother's/sister's keeper.	Lauren Walenga	Change begins from within; within ourselves, within an organization, within a campus. I want to do what I can to create a better environment for my BIPOC colleagues.
Emily Jen	for a better future. To be the change we want to see in the world.	Mark Walter*	We cannot continue to pretend that we live in a land of opportunity where anyone with the will to succeed has the opportunity to succeed.
Anisa Johnson	This is important, in my eyes, because making all people feel welcome and valid is a large component of creating a positive campus community.	Acacia Warren	I am a proud, unapologetic member of the Black community. I am also a product of the UC system (completed undergrad at UC Riverside and graduate school at UC Berkeley). Sadly, I have often muted my Blackness in academia. The micro and macro aggressions that I have endured while on UC campuses, including UCI, are unbelievable. The extra labor/energy expended managing the effects of unconscious and conscious acts of bias, prejudice, and bigotry towards me and my people are not fair, right, or equitable. All I want is to be included and FEEL like I belong in the UC system - without the extras - because I DESERVE it. If students, colleagues, supervisors, faculty, staff and those in leadership acknowledged, understood, recognized, and confronted anti-Blackness, I could actually THRIVE anywhere, not just UCI.
Emma Johnston	We all must work diligently to dismantle systems of oppression that permeate our spaces. We must be actively anti-racist in order to make progress toward a more just and equitable society.	Nancy Watanabe	I have been uneducated on the level and depth of racism in this country and am striving to change that. I am embarrassed to admit that I have been oblivious but have now had my blindfolds stripped away. I cannot stand what continues to happen and feel the need to be part of the solution.
Jalen Jones	Creating a place where Black people can thrive means creating the future my ancestors always dreamed of.	Edward Watson	Anti-Blackness permeates all aspects of society, not just in education. It is important for us, regardless of background, to recognize and join the fight in its eradication.
Kathryn Jones	Everyone deserves a chance to learn and thrive without having to face racial stigmas and biases.	Libby Weber	Taking. this pledge is important to me because our university cannot thrive unless all members of it are allowed to thrive. The Black Thriving Initiative, and this pledge as a small part of it, is an important first step in removing barriers for advancement for our Black students, faculty and staff.
Lisa Jones	I would like to take a public stance in supporting black faculty, staff and students at UCI. I believe this initiative is very important if we are to move forward and become more inclusive at UCI.	Vicky Wei	Because I am a part of the UCI and I want to contribute everything I can do.
Erika Jordan	The UCI community is strong and ensuring that Black faculty, staff and students are represented, supported and feel safe is an important step in the university's dedication to be an inclusive campus. I think its important to strengthen our investment in the Black students at UCI who fall below our university's retention rates and engagement--and this pledge is a way forward.	Michelle Wei	To remind myself to always actively be anti-racist, stand up and advocate for Black people when I see injustices happening, and help create spaces for minority communities
Pavan Kadandale	Creating an inclusive and equitable society starts with each of us! We all bear responsibility and the first step in solving any problem is acknowledging that it exists.	Robin Weirich	I want to live in a world where black lives matter to all, not just some. I also want to contribute toward true racial justice in this country & ending systems that are built with the sole purpose of dividing & oppressing our black brothers & sisters.
Kam Kalantar-Zadeh	This is an important initiative to ensure that UCI communities are all teamed up against racism in general and racism in medicine and public health in particular, including formuals that assess and/or treat patients based on race such as Black race index in eGFR (kidney function unit) equations. We are proud that UCI Health and UCI COHS have spearheaded this and other important efforts to this end.	Gregory Weiss	Seeking equality.
Natasha Kaliski	As a multicultural student (who is not black), I also understand from a different perspective others may not see and have always empathize with the suffering and systemic racism implemented in this American society to keep black peoplw from thr same opportunities as everyone else. I also have a black son and I am in a historically black sorority Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. And we believe in promoting racial and ethnic equality, one of the main reasons I joined the organization. This is especially important at UCI where the black population is limited so students may think its not their problem but this is everyone's problem and none of us should be silent!	Racquel Welch-Kitchen	The anti-blackness I experienced as a student in the early 90s is the same anti-blackness my daughter is experiencing as a current UCI student. That said. it was the support of the Black community and allies at UCI that made it worth attending. Both my son and his best friend have applied to UCI. This new pledge could finally deliver on thriving learning experience for all Black students. We want Black students to feel like they matter and UCI knows it!
Jelger Kalmijn	UC continues to perpetuate de facto inequality by having almost no African American faculty, students or staff. We all need to do everything we can to change that. I'll do whatever I can in my position.	Janice White	My son is half black and my stepson is black. both have been involved with scary/unjust situations. I'm taking his pledge to support social justice and promote self awareness of implicit bias. I believe this is the first step toward promoting a community of inclusion and diversity.
Sarah Kark	Systemic racism is widespread in the academy, causing deep harm to its black participants and pursuers. Anti-blackness damages all of our humanity and hinders scientific progress. I pledge to do my part to educate myself, confront my own implicit biases, and practice anti-racism in order to confront anti-blackness at UCI.	John Whittle	My father was born and raised in India after his ancestors left England in 1800 as part of the East India Trading Co. His family remained in India until 1953 when they emigrated to England. Being part of the Anglo Indian community and marrying a white Anglo British wife (my mother), I witnessed my father suffer through his life battling constant racial slurs and insults. Regardless of his experiences, my brothers and I were raised to be tolerant and encouraged to form friendships regardless of race, religion or culture. And I have raised my own son to be unbiased and a good citizen. I fully embrace the need for all people to be valued, accepted, appreciated and included. It's not hard to do if we care about people and the world we want to leave for the next generation.
Chloe Keller	I stand for what is right and that is taking action to make sure people of color voices are heard and supported in our community.	Andrea Wiley	To show I have made a commitment to preventing anti-black sentiment in anything I do or say. I also hope to show by example and find diplomatic ways to steer anti-black thinking in a better direction when the opportunities arise.
Kristin Kelley	This regression of our outward-facing society is beyond frustrating and disheartening. My life has been shaped by several very influential black people and the inhumanity faced by them, and all black people, is intolerable to me and rejects the capacity we have to all mold one another for the better.	Jennifer Wilkens*	I am taking this pledge because it is important to take a stand against anti-Black racism and to acknowledge that conscious and unconscious biases exist. As an ally, I will educate myself and voice concerns about injustices I see in my personal and professional life. I will use my white privilege to reach out to people who might not be aware that anti-Black discrimination happens or to which extent, in this country and on our UCI campus.
Katelyn Kelly	I have chosen to continue my education and want to become a professor one day. That being said, I recognize how the community of higher academics that I'm aiming to become a part of has been built on anti-blackness. I believe for academia to be a radical space of knowledge production and pushing the boundaries of society, it must address its anti-black structure and change into a community of equity and emancipation.	Nadya Williams	All colors, nationalities and races must be treated the same. Racism can be eradicated only if we all together stand up against it.
Jessica Kelz	Understanding and confronting anti-Blackness is critical to the University of California mission to benefit society through its graduates and the pledge addresses this through intentional engagement with knowledge. In order to acknowledge we must divulge and accept uncomfortable truths about the past and present; to understand we must listen and be mindful of the significance of our words, actions and inaction; to recognize we must validate feelings, experiences and efforts; to oppose anti-Blackness we must critically assess our roles and responsibilities as individuals and a society. Our sustained commitment to actively do our part is incumbent to achieve liberty, justice and a brilliant future for all. Together we Zot this.	Alicia Wilson	I think it's necessary for everyone to be able to move freely and safely in the United States. This is not yet possible for Black people, so I am going to make an effort to make it possible.
Gregory Kendall	Anti-blackness is an obstacle to the betterment of society.	May Wilson	I truly believe that every single employee who works for a higher education institution has a responsibility to contribute and create a culture that is inclusive to every single student. Higher education is typically the space where individuals discover themselves personality-wise, career-wise, goal-wise, etc. Employees in higher education should be ensuring that these individuals are able to focus on these discoveries without the hinderance of Anti-Blackness and overall Racism. Just like how the University dedicates resources to housing security, and food security, there needs to be more resources for inclusivity and more important - equity. Personally, I am taking this pledge because I want to take responsibility to create more resources and help the community grow.
Pramod Khargonekar	Anti-black racism is a persistent issue that must be addressed. I have been in several positions where I have made strong efforts to make progress against this pervasive problem in STEM education and research. Yet, I am chastened that progress seems to be so slow and incremental. So I must redouble my commitment to addressing this problem in my own sphere of work and influence.	Wiley Wilson	This is to show that there is a clear problem within UCI and the UC system that has failed to be acknowledged and accounted for since UCI had first opened its doors. This also signifies that there are people looking towards S.M.A.R.T Solutions and Goals, hopefully in collaboration with Black Students, that will bring about change, better acceptance, assimilation, empathy, as well as friendships/bonds with other non-Black students, faculty, staff, administration, etc in UCI.
David Kilgore	I strongly believe in social justice and equity - following the words of MLK: no one is free until we all are free.	Canton Winer*	Racism has deep roots in U.S. society, and committing to confronting anti-Blackness is an extremely important element of addressing those roots.
Jinhyuk Kim	I have witnessed how anti-Black racism has affected my friends and colleagues and I cannot stand by and do nothing. The first step to addressing a problem in our society is to openly recognize that there is one. Without that recognition there is no moving forward and no moving on.	Allan Winger	We must all confront racism and racist acts, no matter how big or how small, whether they be intentional or not. Only when all of us stand up to intolerance can we begin to enact the change we want to see.
Ellie Kim	I want to promote a society where we are not judged for who we are, and one where we can all live without fear and hatred.	Jordan Wise	Taking this pledge is important to me because I have personally experienced micro-aggressions and racism. It does not feel good at all. I have had opportunities been redirected away from me because of my race. This pledge is a statement that I am fully prepared to engage myself in and put my efforts toward. I love seeing black people thrive and am willing to do what I can to make sure we all do.
Sarah Kimball	As a member of the queer community, I especially want to state that Black Trans Lives Matter. I hope that one day this statement is seen as a given, that everyone is worthy and deserves respect. I've experienced the negative impacts of our patriarchal, homophobic, and racist society, and I value the importance of taking a stand against anti-Black racism.	Carlo Wong	human decency
Stacey King	I'm committed to creating a new culture where anti-Black racism doesn't exist and making UCI a place where students, faculty and staff grow and succeed.	Karna Wong	I pledge to advocate for social justice and to prioritize the needs of Black students, staff, and colleagues to thrive.
Christine King	It is important to recognize the existence of anti-Black racism and micro and macro-aggressions, particularly as instructors and role models for students.	Dean Wong	Inclusivity is an important role in ensuring the future is welcoming to all.
Abigail Kirubakaran	I stand with the the black community against any prejudice and want to support them.	Marcelo Wood	I can think of nothing more important than ultimately arriving to a time and place when Black people and Black students no longer feel the destruction and weight of racism, that I learn how to be actively anti-racist, and that together we all experience a truly thriving culture for Black people here and across this world.
Leslie Kleiman	I believe education, awareness and understanding are the keys to bringing about behavioral change and behavioral changes bring about changes of heart. Anything I can do as a member of the UCI community, and as a human being, to become more aware and stimulate awareness for others regarding all manifestations of anti-Black racism is a commitment I gladly make.	Morgan Wright	We need to build a community where there is total inclusion. Without this, there is no chance of growth.
Michael Kleinman	I am committed to recognizing and countering any anti-Black racism in myself and also encourage more Black students to become involved in observing and improving environmental challenges in impacted communities.	Isabel Yuxiu Wu	Acknowledgement is the first step to justice. There are still so much more to do to right the wrongs of the systematic oppression, inequalities, and the unnecessary loss of lives. This practice of taking the five, ten minutes of reading these pledges and really taking them to heart reconnects us to the moral conscience and reminds us the purpose that drives us forward and the question: what can I do day to day in making the incremental but not insignificant changes to our culture through our daily actions. Whether it is in classrooms, in labs, in online spaces where we converse, learn and connect with each other, in designing curriculums, in our research, in admissions, in hiring, in devising every single piece of administrative, health, educational policy that matter to our campus population, in every decision we make and we are allowed to make, these vows and pledges locked in our heart will hopefully sound a bell before it's too late.
Emily Knauer	All humans deserve equal treatment.	Judy Wu*	We need a more just society, and universities are such crucial places to offer intellectual tools to help make sense of the turmoil that we are experiencing. Furthermore, universities are where people of diverse backgrounds encounter one another, and the type of institution/community we create can either model possibilities or reinforce inequalities.
Mike Knox	A world in which oppression of any kind exists is unacceptable to me. Anti-Blackness has been built into the foundation of this country since its inception and it is on all of us to do something about it. There is no such thing as neutrality. Being uninvolved almost certainly means being comfortable with the privilege we get from the status quo. Every Black person at UCI and around the world deserves to live free, authentically, and to achieve to their greatest potential and desire without the constant assault of anti-Black policy and practice that exists now.	Dwuena Wyre	I believe it is necessary to acknowledge the presence of anti-Black racism in all spaces and institutions and to work with others to bring positive change that serves the greater good.
Karl Kottman	Taking this pledge is important to me because building a thriving culture for Black people is not only a moral obligation, but also a step towards building a thriving society for all.	Zele X	Whether Black or not, at this point in time of our generation, our lives and indigenous people were all created to be equal. There is no greater race, specifically in an environment where there’s a small percentage of blacks; give due respects at all times, it goes a long way. #blacklivesalwaysmatter !
Elizaveta Krasnova	This pledge is important to me because I recognize my white privilege in society and want to use it to help work towards dismantling the unconscious and conscious racism that exists within the system. The fact that people of color are STILL being discriminated against and judged just based on their physical traits (rather than their personality traits and what makes a human, human) is really upsetting and not acceptable whatsoever.	Xuan Xie	It is important for minorities to stand in solidarity. I believe people learned to hate. We can learn to love!
Jenell Krishnan	As a developing anti-racist educator, it is my mission to connect with communities that can help me combat anti-Blackness and create spaces of learning where Black folks thrive.	Zeyue Xie	It is very important to do anti-racism to create a fair and safe environment for all students and faculties, and this needs everyone's involvement.
Al La Spada	I have been involved in supporting educational opportunities for under-represented minorities, including African-Americans, since growing up in Philadelphia and throughout my career as an academic physician-scientist.	Kurt Yamamoto	I feel that this is an essential first step for all of us who have lived our lives shielded from the effects of anti-Black racism. Only by continuing to build upon this can we ever hope to counteract the tragic effects of anti-Black racism on our community.
Lilli Labuen Gillen	Our youth is the future of our society. If we don't make the changes now, then we will lose all hope for a better tomorrow. We are only at the dawn of becoming anti-racist as a society. As a mother of bi-racial children, an aunt to a large amount of family who are people of color: Black, Asian, Indigenous, Latinx...this work is personal. I vow to do all I can and I am grateful to UCI for making this a priority and giving the community a chance to do it together.	Chien Yang	All people are deserving of dignity and respect-- especially Black people, who have led Civil Rights in the United States.
Jodi Lacangan	There are so many racial issues being ignored on campus and it affects so many communities and prevents POCs from having a normal college experience, nonetheless a good one.	Michael Yassa	I am deeply committed to dismantling systemic anti-Black racism on UCI's campus. Please see my full statement at sites.uci.edu/endracism
Frank Laferla	For me, the pledge is about human dignity for all. As Dickens said, “mankind is everyone’s business.”	Sautra Yazdanian	unity in diversity
Diane Lamperts	I am beyond grateful to sign the pledge. As far as I am concerned there should be no racism on our campus or anywhere else for that matter. My supervisor is a black woman and I have so much respect for her. We have had some wonderful conversations about racism and she has opened my eyes to more than I though I knew.	Tootie Yee*	It's time to stop thinking what our parents taught us, and start thinking for ourselves on how we want to move forward on how we treat/think/feel others as a human race and discontinue the thinking of our parents and those who came before. I pledge to act toward achieving a thriving culture for Black People.
Leonora Lawrence	As a white woman, I have a responsibility to play my part in dismantling the white supremacist and patriarchal systems that continue to suppress Black people in society. Taking this pledge is one of myriad actions that should be taken to acknowledge and dismantle systemic racism and uplift Black voices and experiences in our communities.	Elizabeth Yi	My family comes from a country whose people experienced trauma and war, whose national and cultural identity was stripped during the Japanese occupation, whose youth lost opportunities for education and generational wealth, and whose posterity experience generational trauma.
Don Le	I didn’t realize that there were many people at Mesa Court that still acted discriminately against blacks, and I want to make sure everyone feels as included as I feel in this community.	Kyoko Yokomori	I would like to help promote diversity and increased opportunities for URMs for the future of Biomedical Sciences.
James Learned	I was fortunate to be born into opportunity, and I want everyone to have as much opportunity as I did. To paraphrase Dr. King, people should be judged on the content of their character, not the color of their skin.	Joe Yu	I believe we are all created equal
Sheri Ledbetter*	Lifting others up helps everyone succeed. I want to lift this. We all need to lift this.	Clare Yu	We must take a stand against injustice. My college roommate and one of my best friends is Black. She has given me an appreciation for how deeply racial discrimination and oppression have affected Black people, and how it continues to this day.
Jean Lee	It's important for all of us to acknowledge any anti-Black racism and do what we can to confront it and build an inclusive environment for Black people.	Frank Zaldivar	A good friend of mine is a pediatrician at UCI Health. I want her boys to understand how much I respect them and will do what I can to protect them.
Ji Eun Lee	No one should feel threatened or unsafe to go on about their daily lives for their _______. It is not okay to let this mass shooting and hate crimes to go on; we need an action NOW; policy change change NOW. One life lost to a gun shooting, or one person assaulted due to racism, is too much and too late and preventable.	Alyson Zalta	I think it is important for all of us to take any opportunity to voice our support of the Black community, acknowledge the existence of systemic anti-Black racism in our society, and hold each other accountable to take meaningful steps towards change.
Jeff Lefkoff	I want to live in a world where all people have the opportunity to thrive and to contribute to their full potential. Anti-Blackness is a plague on our world that must be eradicated.	Charles Zender	We as individuals and as a society must first acknowledge, and then take responsibility for, the unfair effects of historical and current overt and implicit racism on people of color, in order to progress towards a more perfect union.
Joelle Leib	I believe that all Black students, staff and faculty have the right to learn and exist in an institution that values and respects them, which necessarily requires all other staff, students and faculty to be actively anti-racist.	Lena Zentall	When Black people thrive, everyone thrives. And it's about damn time!
Amanda Leung	This pledge is so incredibly important because it serves as a reminder that our interactions with others whether it be staying still and doing nothing or taking active action has a huge impact on the lives of others. We need to actively remind ourselves to acknowledge and recognize anti-Black racism exists in our space, and then we also need to take actionable step to make change.	Dean Zilberman	I want my fellow Anteaters of color to know- I am with them and will not stand for racism, anti blackness or micro aggressions.
Lisa Levitt	Anti-Black racism is a persistent and dangerous issue that undermines our society. I want to be part of the solution, in an atmosphere of mutual respect.	Doron Zinger	As an educator of future educators it is critical for me to increase my own awareness, acknowledgement, and then act and be accountable to the students I serve as it relates to developing their anti-racist teaching identity and practices, as well as to expose and desettle anti-blackness. We know that the education system in the US is based on anti-blackness and racism, is as or more segregated than in was in 1965, and we must disrupt and reshape this system to promote equity in education that should be viewed as a basic human right to all students.
Ryan Lim	For far too long anti-black racism has been used to maintain the status quo. If we as a society want to overcome the socioeconomic and political issues that plague the country we must acknowledge anti-black racism and its use and impact on our society. For all of us to be free we must combat anti-black racism.	Joanne Zinger	Our country has allowed anti-black racism to go on for too long!

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