Olmos Stands and Delivers in Cal State Talk

Delivering a lesson on Latino pride Monday at Cal State Fullerton, actor and community activist Edward James Olmos urged about 500 students to be encouraging role models to struggling youngsters.

“Give of your time; give of your mind,” said Olmos, the 47-year-old star who played a demanding calculus teacher in the film “Stand and Deliver.”

Olmos’ appearance, plus a low-rider car show and poetry readings and skits by the Chicano Poet Society, helped kick off the university’s weeklong Cinco de Mayo celebration.

“While in your four years here, go into the junior high (schools) and be a mentor to one kid,” said Olmos, who serves as a member of the Whittier College Board of Trustees. “You’ve got to go back to your junior highs and help, because we’re losing so many beautiful kids.”

After Olmos’ speech in the University Center’s Titan Pavilion, some in the audience stepped to microphones on the floor to ask questions and make statements.

“There’s a lot of suffering all around the world and we need a lot of stars like you to come down and support us, and we the students do need to be involved in our barrios,” said Javier Cortez, 26, a Cal State Fullerton student and community activist. He also led the students in a pre-Olmos speech chant, “Si se puede!” (yes, you can).

Olmos, who has two biological children, two stepchildren and two adopted children, starred in, directed and co-produced “American Me,” a 1992 film about the self-perpetuating cycle of gang life in East Los Angeles. He also played Lt. Martin Castillo in the television program “Miami Vice” and won an Oscar nomination for his role in “Stand and Deliver” in 1987.

The actor also joined other public figures in calling for calm during the 1992 Los Angeles riots ad helped organize cleanup efforts after the unrest.

Jacqueline Acevedo, 32, a student, said she was surprised to hear what Olmos had to say.

“I really didn’t know what he would say but for him to tell us that we are all one community, no matter what color you are--he’s hitting it on the nail. He’s trying to tell us that if we remain segregated, we will head into self-destruction.”

Other university students and instructors agreed.

“I see this presentation as a genuine inspiration,” said Adolfo Ortega, a Chicano Studies professor.

Added Ronald Hughes, chairman of the Department, of Sociology, “I think people need to constantly be reminded that they need to give back to their community.”

Although that was Olmos’ main point, he also talked about what it means to be Latino.

“Before the ‘60s, to be a Mexican American was to be nothing, nada, “ he said. “Now is a time to bring about change.”