In December 1998, the Student Center Governing Board approved the new multicultural center to be named after Native American activist, Richard Oakes, for his sacrifices in promoting higher education, social justice, and human rights through self-determination and intellectual activism. The Student Center and the Richard Oakes Multicultural Center gratefully acknowledges to Native peoples, along with the greater San Francisco State University campus, that it occupies a site historically belonging to the Muwekma Ohlone people.
Richard Oakes promoted the fundamental idea that Native peoples have a right to sovereignty, justice, respect and control over their own destinies. His legacy reflects the struggles of Native peoples and all people to maintain their land, identity and lifeways.
The Center is dedicated to the inclusion of all voices and experiences, and the promotion of activist models of organizations that unite people in the active pursuit of self-determination, identity, and knowledge of personal and human experiences.
In service of the evolving needs of the SF State population, we will be evaluating the operation and programming of the Richard Oaks Multicultural Center. Our goal is to honor and uphold the original vision for the space, while meeting the students of SF State where they are today.
We seek to go forward with intentionality to shape the future of the Richard Oakes Multicultural Center, while respecting its legacy.
Join us for one of our focus groups:
Dates to be announced!
Provide feedback via our student survey. We’ll be providing updates throughout the fall semester, so be sure to follow us on Instagram for updates! Visit us when we reopen in Spring 2026!
Our annual Mural Celebrations pay tribute to influential figures such as Malcolm X and Edward Said, while also honoring marginalized communities like Native Americans and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In addition to these mural celebrations, ROMC annually hosts events such as Banned Books Week, the Womxn of Color Healing Symposium, and the Womxn of Color Writer Series.
The day-to-day operations of ROMC involve providing a resource library and study space to our campus community. Our space offers complimentary snacks and study materials, featuring an extensive collection of ethnic studies books, comprising over 700 titles. The largest sections within this collection focus on Native American Studies, Women of Color Writers, and Africana Studies.
The Richard Oakes Multicultural Center exists to provide a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes a multi-ethnic, culturally conscious University that affirms equally the human and intellectual heritage of all people.
The Center is dedicated to the inclusion of all voices and experiences, and the promotion of activist models of organizations that unite people in the active pursuit of self-determination, identity, and knowledge of personal and human experiences.
The Center encourages and welcomes all members of the University and greater community to initiate or participate in its student focused and directed programs.
Education & Referral Organization for Sexuality
Richard Oakes Multicultural Center
