HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/2/2024 Item 5a, Ayala
Jonathan Ayala <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:HRC: Agenda Item 5a
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Human Relations Commission
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Attention: 2024-25 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT
Dear Grant Review Committee,
My name is Jonathan Ayala, and I moved to the city of San Luis Obispo in July from Atlanta, GA. My partner is
a new faculty member in the Ethnic Studies Department at Cal Poly, and I work in public health equity and
advocacy.
I've attended two sessions of R.A.C.E. Matters Shop Talk program -- specifically the meditation offering
intended for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. As a queer Mexican-American, this has been a lifesaver
offering as I adjust to life in SLO. The community at the meditation sessions has been really supportive and
have welcomed my partner and I warmly. It has made the move to SLO really exciting, and I am grateful that
R.A.C.E. Matters is doing the crucial work of making SLO affirming and welcoming to people of color --
especially for those of us who have moved here from more racially diverse communities.
I understand that R.A.C.E. Matters was not selected for high impact Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion funding
this year and I ask you to reconsider and allocate $5,000 for their Shop Talk wellness programs based at
Texture salon.
All the best,
Jonathan Ayala
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