Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by BVN
Joseph R. Williams
As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court decision that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for Black and white students to be unconstitutional, it is imperative to reflect on the strides we’ve made and the steep challenges that persist in achieving access and inclusion in education.
As a member of the California Community College Board of Governors and an elected member of the San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees, I am deeply invested in the mission to dismantle the remnants of the unjust aspects of our educational systems. Despite the ruling in 1954, the promise of Brown v. Board has not been fully realized. Today, our schools remain divided, not just by physical boundaries but by disparities in funding, resources, and opportunities.
In California, we are committed to addressing these disparities head-on. Through initiatives like the California College Promise, we strive to make higher education accessible and affordable for all students, regardless of their racial or economic background. This program is not just about financial aid; it’s about creating pathways for success that are inclusive and equitable.
Additionally our work in the San Bernardino Community College District focuses on providing support systems for historically underrepresented students. This includes making education more affordable through programs like Books + which reduces the cost of required books and instructional materials. Being a Hispanic Serving Institution we’ve established a Dreamers Center for Undocumented Students. We’ve invested in technology designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of our student population, and fostering an inclusive campus culture that values and respects diversity.
Yet, the journey towards increased access and inclusion in education requires relentless advocacy and persistent effort. It demands that we confront uncomfortable truths about inequities and commit to systemic changes. As we reflect on the legacy of Brown v. Board, let us renew our commitment to this vital work, ensuring that every student has the resources, support, and opportunities to succeed.
The road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, but the stakes are too high to settle for complacency. Let us be guided by the spirit of Brown v. Board, which reminds us that educational equity is not just a legal mandate but a moral imperative that we must pursue with vigor and resolve.
Joseph R. Williams an elected member of the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, and Empire KVCR – the PBS and NPR affiliate station for Inland Southern California on TV channel 24 and 91.9 FM. Williams has served on the board since 2013 representing Area 2 which includes the communities of Muscoy, Rialto, and San Bernardino.
Williams is Community Agent of Strategic Partnerships at the Rialto Unified School District and is a governor’s appointee to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and California Workforce Development Board. Additionally, he is the founder of Youth Action Project (YAP), a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing Inland Empire students for college and workplace success.