About Us

We Want Liberation: TWLF and The Origins of Ethnic Studies

The Third World Liberation Front Research Initiative

In anticipation of the fiftieth anniversary of the 1969 Third World Liberation Front Strike at UC Berkeley, various campus members and participants from the 1969 and 1999 TWLF strike gathered to help plan a series of commemorative events from October 2018 to April 2019. These units included the American Cultures Center, Center for Race and Gender, Department of Ethnic Studies, Ethnic Studies Library, Multicultural Community Center, and Native American Student Development. These events led to developing and identifying many critical resources. In addition, the recounting of stories from the 1969 strike highlighted the need for a dedicated TWLF website to capture oral histories and showcase these resources.

This realization sparked discussions about creating a long-needed TWLF site to centralize these resources, and to acknowledge the campus units that emerged from and continue to support the original vision of the TWLF strike. As a result, the TWLF Research Initiative was formed to develop the site, carry out the TWLF 50th Anniversary Oral History Project and organize its content.

The Initiative was led by undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff and librarians from the same units involved in planning the TWLF 50th anniversary events. These groups, which owe their existence to TWLF’s efforts, also collaborated with and received support from various individuals and groups within and outside the campus, whom are acknowledged in our Recognition and Gratitude blurb.

For these reasons, the initial focus of the site is the 1969 TWLF Strike at UC Berkeley. However, the TWLF Research Initiative plans to expand content to include other TWLF movements in the future. For questions or to collaborate with us, please email twlfresearch@berkeley.edu or submit feedback and recommendations by visiting our submission form:

Submit Your Stories or Resources Here!

Visit this link to submit your feedback, suggestions, or additions to the site.

Recognition & Gratitude

This project is a testament to the power of collective effort. Together, we continue to honor the spirit of the Third World Liberation Front, advocating for a more equitable and understanding world. We are deeply grateful to the many individuals and organizations whose contributions have made this site a rich and dynamic resource. Our heartfelt thanks go to:

  • Third World Liberation Front Strikers from all eras: To the courageous individuals who stood up for justice, community empowerment, solidarity, and education during the Third World Liberation Front strikes. Your legacy is the foundation upon which our work continues. 

  • The American Cultures Center, Center for Race and Gender, Department of Ethnic Studies, Ethnic Studies Library, Multicultural Community Center, Student Tech Fund, and Big C grantees who received Student Initiated Projects (SIP) for their support and partnership in developing this platform. 

  • Every person who contributed to the Third World Liberation Front Research Initiative(link is external), your generosity enabled us to reach new heights. Thank you for believing in our cause and investing in the legacy of change and community empowerment.

  • Staff and Volunteers Who Have Developed Content for Pages: For their dedication, creativity, and hard work in creating content that educates, inspires, and engages. Their expertise and passion shine through every page. This includes founding editors and consultants: Ashley Ambrosino, Harvey Dong, Clementina Duron, Keith Feldman, Marcelo Garzo, Sine Hwang Jensen, Francesca Mejia, antmen mendoza, Shatesha Morris, Douglas Parada, Krishna Parekh, Victoria Robinson, and Vicci Wong. 

  • Our Community: To everyone who has engaged with our site, shared insights, and contributed to the conversation. Your voices and stories enrich our collective understanding and drive our work forward.