Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Center fostered a sense of pride and acceptance among students of diverse backgrounds at its open house and Mariachi performance on Friday, Oct. 13.
Director of LALCC and professor of history and Latin American history, Mary Ann Mahony said Central Connecticut State University is a growing community for Hispanic or Latino students.
“We discovered through our analysis of student registrations that perhaps two-thirds of Connecticut cities and towns have sent Hispanic or Latino students to CCSU to study,” Mahony said.
Mahony said LALCC continues to raise awareness and educate residents of the cultures of Latin America, the Caribbean and Latinos living in the United States.
“Our goal with the program as a whole is to help the citizens of Connecticut and particularly those who live in the area around CCSU to understand the richness and the complexity of the cultures of Latin America, the Caribbean and Latinos living in the United States,” Mahony said. “We’ve been doing that now for several years and this year we’re focusing on Mexico.”
Mahony said this is their last major event but there are other ways to get involved.
“We have a biweekly series one called Mentoring Mondays and the other one called Talking Tuesdays,” Mahony said.
Although Mahony is not Hispanic or Latin herself, Mahony said different cultures can explore ways to embrace and celebrate diverse cultures without being a native.
“I have a doctoral degree in Latin American history and an undergraduate degree in Spanish,” Mahony said. “So, I don’t actually think you have to come from the culture to be able to study it.”
Anthony Moreno, the student representative and president of the Latin American student organization said he was disconnected from his culture when he was younger and didn’t have a community that he felt like he belonged to. Coming to CCSU reaffirmed him to embrace his culture again, he said.
“I am really enjoying the event,” Moreno said. “I am Mexican myself. I came over when I was five and ever since then, I think there’s been a disconnect with me in my Mexican culture. The first time that I came here to CCSU was the first time where I really came back to my culture.”
Gladys Moreno Fuentes, an associate counselor at Counseling and Student Development said, this event encourages diversity and inclusivity by showcasing the contributions of different ethnic groups.
“This is a country of immigrants and celebrating all the contributions of the different groups in this country is very important,” Fuentes said. “It’s important to recognize, validate and celebrate. And I think that is exactly what this event is doing.”
Fuentes said people in the United States should remain curious about other cultures.
“This country is very mixed and this type of event is another opportunity to continue integrating,” Fuentes said. “Learning from each other, understanding each other, and appreciating each other.”
LALCC is located in Elihu Burritt Library on floor four.
