San José City College has introduced a series of curriculum collections that celebrate the legacies of influential local figures and reflect the diversity of its student body.
The five collections, unveiled at the college’s César E. Chávez Library, focus on communities that have shaped San Jose’s cultural and social fabric. Each collection is named after a prominent changemaker and aims to support academic engagement with underrepresented histories and identities.
“These curated collections are a reflection of our students’ lived experiences, a celebration of cultural identity, and a bold statement that all communities belong in academic spaces,” said Dr. Rene Alvarez, dean of academic success and student equity at SJCC. “We’re proud to honor the legacies of these changemakers while providing resources that inspire generations of students to come.”
Photos by Andrei Wong
The Dolores Huerta Latiné Honors Curriculum Collection highlights Latiné history, culture, and contributions, honoring the civil rights leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers.
The Reverend Jethroe (Jeff) Moore II Black/African American Curriculum Collection recognizes the late president of the San Jose NAACP chapter and includes works that explore the Black and African American experience.
The Dr. Viet Thanh Nguyen Asian Pacific American Curriculum Collection, named for the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and scholar, offers perspectives on Asian Pacific American histories and narratives.
The Carol A. Morillo-Vasquez American Indian and Alaskan Native Curriculum Collection acknowledges decades of advocacy by the SJCC community members and is dedicated to Indigenous cultures and scholarship.
The Ken Yeager LGBTQ+ Curriculum Collection, honoring the first openly gay elected official in San José, provides resources on LGBTQ+ history, rights, and cultural studies.
The initiative reflects the college’s commitment to inclusive education and community representation. College officials said the collections will be regularly updated and available to students and faculty.
