Alumni Testimonies

 

 

 

"As a prospective law student, it has always been important to me to practice law with a social justice lens. A degree in African American Studies has complemented my degree in Criminal Justice because it has allowed me to draw clear connections between the intersections of race and the criminal legal system. It's important that the criminal legal system is represented by practitioners who are aware of nuances to guide their approach in creating a fair and equitable world for everyone. The faculty in AFAM have continued to support me as I have charted my journey to law school, through mentorship, providing letters of recommendation, and teaching me lessons I will bring with me as I further my education."

- Domonique Beck, BA (2025) in Ethnic Studies w/ AFAM concentration and Criminal Justice

• Domonique's Career Trajectory:
  • Legal Intern for San Diego Public Defenders Office and California Innocence Project
  • Admitted to law school in 2026

"Taking AFAM courses in undergrad helped me to see systems that shaped my upbringing in San Bernardino, CA such as the school-to-prison pipeline and redlining. AFAM also inspired creativity that would help me write stories that challenged such systems and creating conversations around systemic reformation as I earned my MFA in Screenwriting. Overall, AFAM faculty and my peers helped me to see the possibilities of a career at the intersection of art and education which fostered a deeper sense of hope and empathy within me."

- Keya Vance, BA (2017) in Ethnic Studies w/ African American Studies Concentration

• Keya's Career Trajectory:
  • Lecturer in Department of African American Studies, CSUF
  • Creative Director at Kayjo Creatives, Community Creative Arts and Media Company
  • Script Reader and Production Asssitant at Vault Productions and Nashville Film Festival