Interview with Ahliyah Chambers of the Cross-Cultural Center at UC San Diego
In a recent interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Ahliyah Chambers who is the Assistant Director and Center Manager of the UC San Diego Cross Cultural Center. She is a dynamic individual who has carved out a unique and influential career path as an advocate for educational equity, a freelance journalist, and a playwright for Black Queer women theatre. She also shared insights from her time at San Diego State University (SDSU), where she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Africana Studies. Later, she earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs from San Diego State University as well. The interview began with Ms. Chambers discussing her upbringing in Corona, California. Growing up in a diverse community, she was exposed to a variety of cultures and perspectives from a young age. Ahliyah spoke about the influence of her family and community on her personal development and career choice, highlighting how these early experiences shaped her passion for storytelling and advocacy. Transitioning to her academic path, Ahliyah shared her journey through the education system, eventually leading her to San Diego State University’s Black Resource Center. She emphasized the importance of educational equity and discussed specific challenges she faced as a Black student. Her experiences fueled a commitment to advocating for historically underserved students and communities. Her role at San Diego’s oldest Black newspaper is also mentioned, showcasing her contributions to the publication. She discusses the importance of preserving and amplifying Black voices in the media. She shared anecdotes about the stories that she has covered and the community impact of her work. Ms. Chambers provided a comprehensive overview of her multifaceted life and career. Throughout her interview, Ahliyah painted a vivid picture of her journey and the enduring impact of her work on various communities including working with the San Diego Chapter of the Original Black Panther Party. I am grateful that I was able to speak with her and get insight on her life thus far. I look forward to seeing more of her inspirational work in the future.
