Dear Editor,
We would like to respond to last week’s letter to the editor by Chris Barrett. It is very upsetting that students are complaining about how Black History Month was not promoted/supported, yet most of the students who are complaining aren’t even involved with their campus enough for these changes to be made. We agree that our school lacks some support for diversity and that the administration has some responsibility to implement that. However, the administration tries to work in the STUDENTS’ best interest.

Therefore, if a student is involved with their campus and takes the opportunities that are given, then the administration will take their ideas and put them into action. As minority students, we have taken numerous opportunities to express ourselves to the administration and have been pleased with the results. This university is made up of STUDENT organizations and interest groups. Therefore, if you have an interest, take the initiative that is given to you in order to see the change that you demand.

To correct last week’s letter to editor, all Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi students have had the opportunity to attend a total of combined meetings of Campus Activities Board and Islander Cultural Alliance as well as the African American Cultural Society, whose main goal is to promote African American Awareness. Events at this university take a process; they need to be planned months in advance. Therefore, Islander Cultural Alliance, as well as the African American Cultural Society have put on events for Black History Month, which were planned by a majority vote from the active members of those two organizations, but sadly, most of the people who are complaining about low support aren’t even involved with the school themselves; they don’t even support themselves or their own culture. The African American Cultural Society has tried VERY hard to put on successful programs, but some of their own members don’t even support their CULTURAL events. If you want to promote your culture in a positive way or if you want other people to be open to it, then you need to persistently support yourself, and not only when an issue comes up, in order for your concerns to be recognized.

So what are YOU doing for your university? It’s great that people are speaking out about diversity problems at this school; we need it, but please do not expect too much change when you aren’t involved with your university. If students are interested in expressing ideas and concerns for programs, or if they would like to start a recognized organization at A&M—Corpus Christi, they’ve had and still have NUMEROUS opportunities to do so. Just stop by Student Activities (UC 226), talk to someone, and fill out an organization request form. Remember, A&M—Corpus Christi is an expanding school. We continue to grow yearly, so the more involved you are, the more support you will receive, the more support you will receive, and the more results you will see at the university. Thank you.

Highly involved students at Texas A&M
University—Corpus Christi,

Vidal Quintanilla Jr. and Brittnye Dione

Dear Editor,
I could not help but be appalled at Chris. Barrett’s comments regarding Black History Month in the last issue of the Island Waves. First off, it is indeed the responsibility of the students to promote events on campus, and Elliot Chenaux should not be held responsible for the lack of activity during the month.

The events that were held were put on by CAB and ICA, groups composed of students interested in promoting Black History. I recommend that if anyone is displeased with the events or lack of events that they host that they join one of the aforementioned groups and become an active participant in making a difference. As for the quality of events, it is foolish to call the Hip-Hop Explosion an embarrassment to the promotion of Black History Month. It is undeniable that hip hop is a part of black culture, and the event intended to celebrate that. And Rosa Parks, while not the only important person in the fight for equal rights, did play a large role and should thus be celebrated.

What bothers me most about this issue is the sentiment it creates. Black History Month is supposed to be about celebrating important milestones in African American culture. Instead, it has turned into a protest. If anything, I think that is the biggest embarrassment to the promotion of Black History Month.

Sincerely,

Jason Shell

Dear Editor,
After reading the past couple of issues, it has come to my attention that a certain group of people are in desperate need of the spotlight. I think that everyone should give them the 100% attention they need and obviously deserve. I’m not going to call out who these people are, but I’m sure they as well as everyone else on campus know who they are.

I find it comical that people who put more effort into separating themselves from everyone aren’t trying to promote their own culture and history. The last time that I checked, the majority of organizations took the lead when it came time for their own cultures, races, and genders being promoted. When “The Vagina Monologues” and “V-Day” came around, the highly respected Women’s Center took their own path when it came to putting on their events and raising awareness for their issue. Everything for them turned out to be a tremendous success. There are several other great examples from Middle Eastern Dance Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, and other organizations that show students their culture.

It has come to my understanding that some well respected individuals had contacted these organizations to get them to start promoting their culture. None of these plans worked because of the lack of interest the organizations had in them. They felt that CAB and ICA should be held responsible for their cultures. When an organization shows that they care, then others will do their part also.

After witnessing the demonstration that was held in the University Center, I thought it was a good demonstration and well done, but the opening remarks were more than ignorant. It was about the lack of interest the university has given this group and nothing really relevant to their presentation.

As a person of Native American/Mexican descent, I believe in equal rights for everyone, regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, etc. All should be seen as equal, and if some aren’t, throwing “hissy fits” is only going to degrade your own customs. First, learn how to stand up, and then know how to do it the correct way.

My point is that everyone should stop complaining about how underrepresented they are, and take the proper initiative to raise community awareness about their culture. That’s all.

Eric Holguin