What is the Association of Faculty and Staff for the Advancement of People of Color (AFAPC)?

We are an organization that works to recruit, retain, build community, and provide support (nourishment, enrichment, and inspiration) for faculty and staff of color, and indigenous, and mixed-heritage identities at Oregon State University. We believe in providing a climate of acceptance and promote the principles of diversity and inclusion.  

Listserv

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the AFAPC mailing list: Link. 
 

General Meetings

AFAPC general meetings are usually held from 12-1 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month between October and May (excluding December).

  • March 20, General meeting; In-person meeting, Brown-bag,
    Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center
     

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Community Care Talk
  • Stay tuned
     
AFAPC Teams

Join the AFAPC MS Teams channel.

AFAPC Spotlight
Cleavon Smith, Theatre Arts Instructor
 

Bio

  • I am originally from Mississippi and left there to attend the Naval Academy. After graduating I spent five years in the Navy, two and a half years of which I served onboard an aircraft carrier stationed in Japan. My final duty station in the Navy was in the Bay Area just south of San Francisco, and after finishing my Academy commitment, I decided to stay in the Bay Area for “two or three more years” which turned out to be twenty five years total with all but three in Oakland. I left the Navy to pursue my dream of being a writer, but somehow found myself in a corporate job at Gap, Inc before going to Mills College for my MFA. While writing two unpublishable novels, I began teaching at a Berkeley City College and fell in love with the profession and felt inspired by the students. Moving to Oregon was never something I’d planned until a family matter came up, making itnecessary. It has been an extremely difficult transition for all of us, but one I’m beginning to feel a lot more secure in.
     

Where do you call home?

  • My heart lives in three different places. In my phone Contacts, the number to my parent’s house is listed as “Home.” Whenever I have plans to go back to visit my family, I usually say “I’m going home.” I also consider Oakland home. I lived there longer than anywhere else, not just physically but also artistically and communally. If I won the lottery tomorrow and could live anywhere, most likely I’d choose Oakland. The third place my heart lives is Corvallis. This is where I am, where my family is, where I’m most invested.
     

What do you like to do in your spare time?

  • I wish I were playing golf or tennis, but what I find myself doing the most is going on walks or just chilling with family. Typically though, I try to fill spare time with writing. I find deep joy in the labor and discovery that I think are inherent in playwriting.
     

What does the AFAPC mean to you?

  • AFAPC means that living in Oregon doesn’t come at the expense of sacrificing a strong BIPOC community.
     

Have you discovered a place or activity in Oregon that you recommend to the community?

  • I love going to the coast, but what wine tasting in the valley is what I’m looking forward to doing more. Sorry I don’t any to give, but I’ll take and and all winery recommendations!

 

AFAPC Spotlight
Bernard Wang, Assistant to the Director - School of Communication
 

Bio

  • Hi, I'm Bernie Wang! Seattle-raised but born in Hong Kong, I've got a love for the Pacific Northwest and a soul that's wandered far and wide. My 33 years in the Navy took me on adventures across Asia and the rest of the United States, with significant stops including Japan and Singapore, before retiring as a Captain brought me back stateside. I am currently the School Assistant at the School of Communication, CLA.  OSU is my second university.  I was previously at the Naval Postgraduate School in beautiful Monterey, CA, where I was Military Associate Dean and Military Professor at the School of International Graduate Studies. I have two wonderful kids (17 and 11) and have lived in Corvallis since 2021.
     

Where do you call home?

  • So, about home? It's not just one place for me. Everywhere I've been, from Japan's bustling streets to Hawaii's serene landscapes, I've left a little piece of myself. Each spot on the map holds a part of my story, a memory, a lesson learned. And now, Corvallis is adding its chapters, with its peaceful nature and welcoming community.  I have lived the longest in Seattle, Sacramento, CA; Memphis, TN; Honolulu, HI; Monterey, CA; Japan (Yokosuka and Sasebo); and Singapore. 
     

What do you like to do in your spare time?

  • When I'm not working, my time is about capturing Oregon's beauty, hitting the trails, and making memories with my kids. I deeply love the landscapes here, especially the coast, and there's no better way to see it than from above with my drone. Flying gives us a whole new perspective on the Pacific Ocean, and I enjoy seeing it from land instead of the sea. Whether behind the camera, flying the drone, or exploring with my kids, these moments count. 
     

What does the AFAPC mean to you?

  • AFAPC? It's like finding your tribe. It's fantastic to be around folks who share not just common experiences but also a passion for making things better for communities of color at OSU and beyond. It's not just about what we do on campus; it's how we reach out and touch Corvallis, too. Being part of AFAPC feels like we're really onto something big, something meaningful. It's all about making a difference together, and I'm here for it.  
     

Have you discovered a place or activity in Oregon that you recommend to the community?

  • I've gotten into overlanding with my Chevy Tahoe for the last two years, diving deep into the national forests around us. It's all about those miles of forest roads waiting to be explored. You wouldn't believe the tranquil spots you can find. This mix of adventure and peace has been a game-changer for me.