ROUND OUNDUP www.theroundupnews.com
Woodland Hills, California
Volume 132 - Issue 9
A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
One copy free, each additional copy $1.00
Protesting for social justice
Supporters gathered in masses around the San Fernando Valley BY PETER VILLAFANE
P
eople have been holding demonstrations across the country in support of Black Lives Matter. These events have been the nation’s response to multiple instances of police brutality. At least three of these events happened in the San Fernando Valley. Orange Aligned About 70 people attended a demonstration called Orange Aligned in Woodland Hills on June 3. The event began at about 2:30 p.m., after social media posts raised awareness of it, and ended with a prayer at about 5 p.m. Demonstrators first gathered at the parking lot at the Pierce College Station of the Metro Orange Line. There were no acts of violence at the event. San Fernando Valley locals Emily Alvarado and Samson Tupuola organized the event and said they were motivated by their faith and the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. “We just think by entering prayer, we’re aligning with god and aligning the people to this mindset for the heart to be aligned in what’s really important—not the hatred, but the love and support we can give to Black Lives Matter,” Alvarado said. “Opening in prayer is just essential for us.” Tupuola said it takes more than just words to change the current political climate. He said before the protest began that he hoped for divine intervention. “We’re really hoping that God moves today,” Tupuola said. “We are people of faith, we are children of faith and we’re so expectant for what god is going to do. We’re here with god and we’re expecting god to move, even through the silence, that god would speak.” Tupuola also said he believes God supports marginalized people. “God's been fighting oppression,” Tupuola said. “He is for the people that have been oppressed.” Tupuola, a Samoan person, said he stands in solidarity with Black people. “I’m not Black, but I’m fighting for you,” Tupuola said. “I’m not Black, but I’m standing with you. That’s our message today.” Protestors held signs and walked down the sidewalk along Victory Boulevard from Winnetka Avenue to De Soto Avenue and back. People also stood on the sidewalk to face the passing cars. Sage Robinson held signs saying "Let's talk" and "I'll listen if you'll listen" at the event.
Class of 2020 Ceremony to be streamed live
BY ARIELLE ZOLEZZI aculty and students at Los Angeles Pierce College, along with the rest of the Los Angeles Community College District, are gearing up for a Virtual Recognition Ceremony for the first time in history. Although this has left many students frustrated that they can’t culminate their achievements on stage, the Pierce College community is trying to look on the bright side.
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Photo by Katya Castillo / Roundup Protesters hold signs and chant on the corners of Chatsworth Street and Zelzah Avenue on June 1, 2020. "I don't like how there's a Black Lives Matter and there's people that say 'all lives matter.’ But no one's actually talking. They're just yelling,” Robinson said. “To get to a better understanding of everyone, we just have to start talking." Alvarado said her hopes for the event were to be peaceful and to open up a conversation. “We were just moved by all the things that we’ve seen in our nation and we just wanted to bring that to the community in a peaceful manner to let them know that their voices are also important and heard,” Alvarado said. “We just want to make that space for them to just show that we care and we support our Black brothers and sisters.” Northridge BLM at CSUN
People held signs, chanted together and gave speeches on the steps while using a megaphone. An audience gathered at the lawn in front of the library, and organizers let people from
BLM, said the history of institutional racism in America motivated the group to organize the protest. “We built this country and we deserve so much respect,” Logan
“To hear so many people on the same chant as you, the same voice as you--it was just like one voice. It was like a one band, one sound. It was a beautiful thing. It was like music.” - Malachi Maisha
On June 2, people gathered at an event organized by Northridge Black Lives Matter (BLM) at the Delmar T. Oviatt Library at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
the crowd come up to the steps and address everyone. Police were parked in the area. There appeared to be no acts of violence. A series of social media posts notified people of the event. Carrolee Logan, part of Northridge
said. “But because we came here as slaves and that's all they wanted us to be, they didn’t expect us to rise as a people. They didn’t expect us to overcome and conquer our situations. But at the end of the day, we know we're on the right side of history.”
Pierce College president Alexis Montevirgen said via virtual interview that he wants to be clear by no means are they trying to replace the actual experience of the graduation ceremony, but rather that Pierce is trying to still commemorate the achievements of the students who have worked hard. “All of our graduates will be invited back to a face-to-face commencement, which looks like it might be around this time next year,” Montevirgen said. “We know that that’s a long time, which is why we wanted to have something now.” Montevirgen acknowledged this isn’t what people had envisioned, but they are hoping that it is still something that people can celebrate and enjoy. “I really do believe that this graduating class is the most prepared and what we need right now in the world,” Montevirgen said. “I feel here at Pierce we prepare our students not just academically, but to be civil in society, ask courageous questions and to be understanding and see where people are coming from.”
Sociology professor James McKeever said this graduating class has gained much love and respect from him. “It makes me sad that we have to do it this way, but this group of graduates should be so proud of themselves for finishing under such horrible conditions,” McKeever said. “Truly a magnificent feat by some truly extraordinary students.” ASO president Vivian Yee said in a text that she is really looking forward to our first ever virtual recognition ceremony and hope all of you can join in the experience. “A few months ago, no one could ever have imagined what we're all having to go through right now,” Yee wrote. “We're all trying to make the best of everything and sometimes it's hard. But I really appreciate that Pierce is doing everything they can to give us graduates as close to a real celebration as possible.” Communications professor Robert Loy wrote via email that although he
is saddened that we're not holding an on-campus commencement ceremony, he is still really excited for the virtual graduation. “Commencement is one of my favorite days at Pierce College because we have the opportunity to show up for our students,” Loy wrote. “It's a day where faculty and staff get to dress up in our cap and gowns, rooting for students on stage, and continuing the tradition of ringing a cowbell for them!” The ceremony will be held on June 9 at 6 p.m., and you can access on Pierce College's Facebook page and YouTube channel. azollezi.roundupnews@gmail.com
Vivian Yee, Associated Students Organization (ASO) president, walks down her street in Porter Ranch, Calif., in her graduation gown on May 30, 2020. Photo by Katya Castillo.
Logan said the event also sought to raise awareness to and discuss police brutality. “The police, they try to control the narrative,” Logan said. “They try to paint us as the enemy, as bad or savage--whatever the situation. But at the end of the day, the reality is when we protest, we’re peaceful. They're the ones that come and they aggravate us. They're the ones that come and they stir things up, getting violent.” People tried to get police officers to show solidarity with them, but Logan said the officers declined. “It makes no sense that the police cannot kneel with us and show union and show love,” Logan said. “Yet they can knee on a man's neck for nine minutes until he dies.” Northridge BLM asked lawyer Jaaye Person-Lynn to be at the event. Group members met Person-Lynn at a demonstration covering Santa Monica to Venice. Person-Lynn said he was honored to be at CSUN and wants people to gain the motivation to enact change.
“I hope they understand that they have power,” Person-Lynn said. “They have power in unity, even at a young age.” Matthew Nielsen handed out supplies including water, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, napkins and hand sanitizer. Nielsen ran out of water bottles and was able to give out all the sandwiches by the end of the event. “I feel it's my place as a white person to do the most I can to stand by black people and all people really,” Nielsen said. “I can't miss these anymore. There's too much that needs to change.” Granada Hills On June 1, more than 100 people gathered, many holding signs and chanting “Black lives matter,” “Say his name” and other call-and-response sayings in Granada Hills. [JUMP TO NEWS ON PAGE 3]