California Golden Bears Athletics
Ladislao Rodriguez (left) has joined Dr. Ty-Ron Douglas (right) in the Cal DEIBJ Office.
Sometimes a Smile is a Conversation
8/29/2023 9:00 AM | DEIBJ
I received a FaceTime call recently from Bobby Thompson, the former Director of Operations and Engagement in the Cal DEIBJ Office. He was sporting some cool shades and a big smile. We had lots to catch up on but time wouldn't allow us to say it all in that moment; still, there was something about his big smile and our collegial relationship that served as an "enough said" affirmation. Similar to how the adage "say it with your chest" has come to communicate a sense of belief and power in contemporary culture, our exchange elicited the phrase out of me: "Sometimes a Smile is a Conversation!" Said differently, in that moment I sensed what he/we would say if we had time, and our collective belief as reflected in our smiles was all we needed and all we had time for that day.
Sometimes, a smile is not just a conversation; a smile can also be resistance. We resisted the option of complaining or negativity. We chose joy…we chose the JUICE! In our DEIBJ Office, we define JUstICE as doing the right thing, for the right reasons, at the right time.
What is the right thing to do right now and why? I am glad you asked.Â
In the midst of the uncertainties of being human, the angst that many feel as the academic year begins, and the reality that "life be lifing," choosing to smile…to encourage yourself…to believe…to treat those around us well…to do justice to the moments we have every 24 hours of a day…to be great…matters and is the right thing to do now! Why? Because you matter and it is a gift and honor to have the opportunity to experience the 2023-24 academic year!Â
Notably, to "Do Justice" this academic year, we will need to be attentive to the present, remember our past and build the future we desire for ourselves, our families, our communities and our department. Present realities include being intentional about how we can tangibly support those impacted by the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii; while the 60th anniversary yesterday (Aug. 28, 2023) of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in which Dr. King delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech is a past experience that continues to speak to today's context.Â
Your Cal DEIBJ Office is grateful to build and journey with you in what we anticipate will be a significant and exciting year for Cal Athletics. I hope we've all found time to rest, (re)evaluate and (re)commit to being the best versions of ourselves as we pursue and achieve our personal and team goals.Â
For us in Cal Athletics DEIBJ in 2023-24, we will be using our influence to "lift the people who lift / love the people!" As scholars and leaders, it's vital that we ask and consider "who are the people?" Who are the folks who know and have the heart of the people? Or to ask it with our DEIBJ swag, "Who's got the juice?! Who are the accelerators?" I'm convinced that most of you reading this blog are The People!…our Cal DEIBJ People! Thanks for all you do to lift other people daily and for what you will do to lift Cal Athletics to new heights in DEIBJ, academics and athletic excellence this school year!Â
The Cal DEIBJ team has enjoyed a productive summer and I am pleased to welcome Ladislao Rodriguez, who has officially joined our DEIBJ Office as the Director of Operations and Engagement! Ladis brings diverse experiences and a unique skill set to our team! Like Bobby, Ladis has the juice! There's a depth and resistance embedded in his smile. I am excited for you to learn more about him as he authors next week's BeLOnG Blog. Til then, keep believing and keep smiling! Go Bears!Â
Dr. Ty-Ron Douglas is Cal's Associate AD for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, & Justice (DEIBJ).
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