Olmos speaks at U., calls for racial unity

In "Stand and Deliver," he taught a class of unmotivated, underprivileged students to love learning. And last night Edward James Olmos -- actor, director, producer and community activist -- came to the University to teach another lesson. He explained to more than 60 students in the University Museum's Harrison Auditorium that the key to combatting racism is to promote awareness of humankind's common roots. Sponsored by Connaissance and the United Minorities Council, Olmos' speech, "We're All in the Same Gang," stressed that "every person on the planet" descended from Africans, and each has the responsibility to educate youth about their inherent similarities. "What we're learning tonight is the power of root," Olmos said. "And our kids will pick up on it fast." Students participated in the discussion by asking Olmos questions about the state of race relations and multicultural education in America. "Strength comes in understanding diversity, and this type of education is the key for all humanity to flourish," Olmos explained. He implored his audience to be aware of the negative stereotypes and myths which assume that one race is superior or inferior to another. To demonstrate this idea, Olmos noted that the Bible describes Jesus Christ as being bronze-skinned and woolen-haired. "If Jesus was shown black, it would allow us to experience that people of color bring value," he said. In addition, Olmos denounced the studies of Charles Murray and Richard Herrnstein. "Right now, The Bell Curve will tell you there is no value in people with color," he said. A number of students expressed admiration for Olmos, who was one of the first movie stars to coordinate aid for the riot-torn communities of Los Angeles in 1992. "He saw the community at large affected, got out of his living room, and helped sweep up South Central Los Angeles," College sophomore Mark Gutierrez said. Liz Melendez, College senior and United Minorities Council president, also praised Olmos. "A lot of what he has to say deals with issues that face the University -- trying to get a fragmented community together for the good of the whole," she said. Olmos presented his ideas as a challenge to students' preconceptions and biases. "I dare you to embrace multicultural understandings," Olmos said as he closed the discussion. "Embrace them and love them."