Blake said an education is paramount in understanding and defeating racism.
"Just like how myself, as a heterosexual can't fully understand the plight of a homosexual until I interact with them and see first hand their struggle; people have to interact and put yourself out there to make something happen."
Marcus Elliot, the director for Black Student Services, said that while CSU has a long list of racial equality initiatives to bring a level playing field for the minority population here.
"I'd be lying if I said that there wasn't a level of inequality. It's just the nature of this society, especially in America. It's extremely unfortunate," he said. "From an opportunity stand point, of course we are equal, but there's always room to grow."
Elliot says he is still optimistic even with the hurdle the black community still faces at CSU.
"I couldn't imagine going to school in the 1930's, 40's, 50's, and even 60's. When you could easily count the total number of minority students," he said. "I think there is always progress. The rate of progress may not be what some people wish. They would like progress to move a lot quicker. The idea of moving, even at a snail pace, is good."
He said the biggest issue that CSU hasn't overcome is a "ridiculous" level of inequality among faculty at the university.
"One percent of tenured staff here is black –– that is appalling," he said. "We need to hire more black faculty and work actively to keep them here."
Staff writer Ryan Sheine can be reached at news@collegian.com.
