On Saturday, June 5, 2021 the Peralta Community joined together online for a joyous graduation fiesta. The first annual Peralta Community College District Latinx Graduation Celebration , called Raíces (or "roots") was sponsored by the Peralta Association of Chicanos/Latinos de Aztlán (PACLA).
Raíces celebrated the educational achievements of Peralta Latina, Latinx, Latino & Chicana, Chicanx, Chicano students and their families and featured students who completed a certificate, degree, or their transfer to a four-year university. The event was hosted by Martín De Mucha Flores (Associate Dean of Educational Success and Student Equity & Achievement Programs at Berkeley City College), Horacio Corona Lira (Director, Hispanic Serving Institution Grant, ACCESO/Puente Programs at College of Alameda) and Carolina Martinez (Founder, Undocumented Student Resource Center, Berkeley City College). You can watch the ceremony here.
Raíces included celebratory messages from the California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Eloy Ortiz Oakley, Peralta Community College District Interim Chancellor Dr. Jannett N. Jackson, Peralta Trustee Dyana Delfín Polk, and College Presidents Dr. Angélica Garcia (Berkeley City College), Dr. David M. Johnson (Merritt College), Dr. Rudy Besikof (Laney College), and Dr. Nathaniel Jones III (College of Alameda).
Trustee Dyana Delfín Polk began her speech in solidarity with the community. "I am very proud to be Latina and to celebrate our achievements together at this first annual Peralta Colleges Latinx Graduation." She continued, "Your graduation from Peralta is just the beginning. My hope for all of you is that you continue to pursue what you are passionate about and use this opportunity to give back. We need all of you to stay connected to Peralta as mentors and as examples of the paths that our students can take...I'm very proud of all of you, and for the opportunity to be a part of this celebration of Latinx excellence. Felicidades!"
The amazing and inspirational Student speakers included:
- Edwina Malmberg (College of Alameda)
- Juan TajTaj (Merritt College)
- Lilibeth Corona (Merritt College)
- Jessica Garcia (Laney College)
- Emelin Hernandez (Laney College)
- Yanelit Madriz Zarate (Berkeley City College)
- Jaime Mendoza (Berkeley City College)
The program kicked off with music courtesy of DJ Oakland Slim and then began in earnest with a traditional Four Directions Blessing Ceremony. Following the speeches, graduating students were recognized through a slideshow that highlighted their many accomplishments, future endeavors, and personalized messages. Gracias to all who participated!
