Photograph by Valerie Mendoza-Ramos
When a certain people is under attack, the level of urgency rises and people strike back. In the case of recent threats toward Latin American immigrants, this isn’t a random attacker; this attacker is elevated by power, holding the ability to alter the lives of millions of people.
The actions and rhetoric of President Donald Trump have inspired a specific form of resistance in the Chicanx Latinx United Voices club (CLUV). The club was formed at Berkeley High School (BHS) three years ago by alumnus Juan Gallegos.
CLUV’s mission is to advocate and start a dialogue for social justice in the Berkeley community. CLUV has gained strength over the years. When it first started, there were roughly five to ten students attending meetings, which has changed drastically with their most recent meeting that had about fifty students in attendance.
The club was founded on the idea that its existence was necessary, and that it would only be helpful for its community.
CLUV has gained much more attention from Berkeley High School students, largely as a result of their activism supporting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
CLUV has recently obtained much more support from its peers who may not feel directly connected to the struggle of Latinxs and undocumented immigrants.
“Maybe other presidents may not have attacked undocumented people, they have always felt alienated, and I think the importance has shot up,” said Luis Sanchez-Cruz, CLUV member and Berkeley High School (BHS) senior. This has happened due to the recent election of this attacker and his power to capture our attention.
“There are a lot of undocumented students who are afraid to come out and don’t know where to find help and support, and CLUV is a sanctuary that gives support that one needs,” said Mayorie Ovalle, a senior and member of CLUV. To undocumented immigrants and their families, Trump’s threats are very real and hit very close to home.
The physical existence of CLUV is significant to many undocumented immigrants who know that it is a place of sanction, a place to put at ease the very thing that may bring fear. This club has been a vital part of Berkeley High since it was created. For many undocumented immigrants, day-to-day life poses risks that a privileged citizen does not need to worry about.
CLUV was founded by Latinxs and undocumented immigrants for the purpose of giving them a voice and creating proper representation of their struggle. “CLUV fights for rights of undocumented people and gives them a voice. I feel like those who can safely go out and voice their opinions should also voice the opinions of people who it’s harder for, like undocumented people,” Sanchez-Cruz said.
It is important that the role of representing a specific people is done correctly. CLUV has taken on a role of representation, which comes with responsibility.
“What this club does is not voice what they ‘think’ undocumented people’s opinions are, but listen to them directly,” said Sanchez-Cruz. CLUV acts as a spokesperson for those who may feel voiceless. Being a part of something larger than yourself is important. CLUV is a unique club that emphasizes its members and strong community.
“I want to open CLUV up for everyone, and just because we focus on Latino issues, it doesn’t mean your voice will be silenced,” said Abbib Barajas, BHS senior and CLUV member.
CLUV is not just a club for Latinxs, it’s for anyone who wants to support Latinxs and the issues that the club addresses.
CLUV meets every Monday at 3:30 PM in Room G203.