Media Advisory
October 28, 2008                                                                           



Media Contacts:
Dr. Ramona Tascoe, 510 289.3792
Jackie Wright, 415 271.9461






WHO: The Reverend Dr. Ramona Tascoe (medical physician), Former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Reverend Cecil Williams, Dr. Nathan Hare, Danny Glover, Mayor Ronald Dellums, Mr. Roberto Vargas, Dr. Jim Hirabayashi, Robert A. Corrigon, President of San Francisco State University, Dr. Ken Monteiro, Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies, Roger Alvarado, Hari Dillon and others.

WHAT: Press conference preceding panel discussion Civil rights and Social Justice.  Original 1968 student strikers along with panelists will discuss the 1968 strike its harsh realities for the students and its catalyst for change for the United States and the world.  A Tour of the historical strike landmarks and achievements will follow the press conference.

WHERE: Jack Adams Hall, San Francisco State University. 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday October 29, 2008

WHY: Dr. Ramona Tascoe's September letter to the Governor's office, which called upon State Troopers to squash the protesters in 1968 says it best: Today, all around our nation, the compelling argument for cultural sensitivity and cultural competence has been recognized as critical to our diplomatic success in meeting our neighbors in the global community with whom we share a global economy.  Today, we are united.  Not unlike the American Revolution, the Battle at Gettysburg, or the historic Civil Rights Movement, change comes through challenge.  Will you or Maria please join us?  Will you send us a letter of commendation for our achievement?  Can we bury the proverbial ax?"

The news conference is an opportunity to note the courageous actions of student strikers and their supporters; heal breaches that remain, highlight the victories achieved by the strike, make sure that the strike is more than just a footnote in history books; and to call the United States and the world to be vigilant of civil rights and social justice.

Editorial note: As this media advisory is being written, the SFSU Website has a prominent story on SF State Champions Business Ethics: http://www.sfsu.edu/news/2008/fall/20.html.  This page is up.  The SFSU website has the 40th Anniversary under events and http://www.sfsu.edu/~ethnicst/home5 page can’t be found. There is a link to an SF Chronicle article about the strike, which focuses heavily on violence.  Due in part to the lack of balance in the story, the first comment to the article and others devalue ethnic studies and the student’s accomplishments. History will repeat itself, if it is not recorded and remembered accurately.  The news conference, convened outside of the SFSU, publicity department, has been called to help ensure "air and balanced" reporting.