De la Torre a "Role Model"

May 2, 2005

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter to express my unqualified support for Oscar De la Torre. Please be advised that I have known and worked closely with Mr. De la Torre for nearly ten years.

We met for the first time in 1996 at Santa Monica College where he had been instrumental in organizing a pro black and brown unity conference among its students. From that moment forward, Mr. De la Torre and I have collaborated together on numerous occasions with the goal of bringing Mexican and African American people closer together.

Our mutual committment to increasing the cooperation between and improving the futures of our two respective cultures, is what has defined, enriched and strengthened our relationship from its beginning.

What has prompted this letter, is the false and malicious allegation by representatives of the Santa Monica Police Department that Oscar De la Torre recently engaged in activities designed to exacerbate tensions between the two groups.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only is Mr. De la Torre fully committed to establishing and sustaining collaborative efforts between black and brown youth, he continues to be one of the most genuine, sincere, ethical and hardworking role-models and leaders that the Santa Monica community has ever had. I view his character, organizing efforts, youth intervention skills, organizational and interpersonal skills as nothing short of outstanding.

In the past, Oscar De la Torre and I worked successfully together at Santa Monica High School as resources to at-risk students, we come together periodically to develop worthwhile activities for the Pico Neighborhood Youth and Family Center and only recently chaparoned black and brown young men to the Ninth Annual Meeting of Black Villages in Mexico, where they witnessed firsthand the harmony between indigenous and black villagers.

Oscar De la Torre is a creative problem-solver and community asset, who secured my trust, respect and friendship long ago.

Yours Truly,

Ron Wilkins, Professor
Department of Africana Studies
California State University Dominguez Hills