Rodrigo Vazquez wants to change the conversation around formerly incarcerated students. Vazquez, who is formerly incarcerated, said people should not ask formerly incarcerated students what they did. Read more...

Photo: Alberto Lule, a fifth-year art student, said through the Underground Scholars Initiative at UCLA, he can carry his experiences from his incarceration as a badge of honor. Some formerly incarcerated students and students impacted by the incarceration of a loved one are using mindful language and USI to advocate for their community and dismantle negative perceptions. (Antonio Martinez/Daily Bruin)

From Jackie Robinson to Cindy Montañez, many Bruins have historically been on the frontlines in taking initiative for social justice issues. Some Bruins are following in their footsteps, using their voices to make change. Read more...

Photo: Desirae Barragan, a second-year American Indian studies and human biology and society student, said she hopes to raise awareness of Native Americans and their contributions. Through social media and her extracurricular activities, Barragan has been advocating for the Native American community. (Courtesy of Desirae Barragan)

Helene Brown managed to fit 200 years worth of work in cancer activism and education into 91, said Jeff Brown, her son. Helene, a UCLA alumna and former board member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, died Oct. Read more...

Photo: Helene Brown, a UCLA alumna and a board member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, died Oct. 7. Throughout her life, she advocated for cancer research and education. (Courtesy of UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center)