Hoy en día, which loosely translates to nowadays and today’s happenings, is an integral part of an Alianza Latina general body meeting. The group organizes Latino Heritage month events at RPI.
We [the RPI community] are currently in the midst of the celebration of Latino Heritage Month, "a month nationally recognized through the U.S. to celebrate Latino culture, customs, and traditions," said Latino Heritage Month Chair, Fanny Gutierrez. Latino Heritage Month, nationally known as Hispanic Heritage Month, runs from September 15 to October 15 according to the public law enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives on August 17, 1988.
On campus, the dates tend to vary, but always include the week of September 15. This year’s festivities began on September 13, with opening ceremonies celebrated with a traditional Latino meal and discussions of culture and sabias, or "did you know?"
LHM has two major goals. One, "to get the incoming Latino freshman through an adjustment period and let them know that they’re not alone ... [that there are others here that share their culture]," said AL’s Treasurer Jason Tavarez. Secondly, "[to achieve] diversity through educating people on culture and beliefs … [ultimately] raising awareness," said Antonio Borges, LHM chair understudy.
Over the course of the month, there were many programs dedicated to LHM sponsored by various campus organizations. Cultural Pride Night, an event sponsored by Lambda Upsilon Lambda, Fraternity Incorporated, was very successful because "everybody participated, no matter the culture," said Borges.
Other events included a diversity dinner sponsored by the International Committee of the National Society of Black Engineers and a date auction. The date auction raised almost a thousand dollars, a percentage of which will go to aid the Red Cross’ efforts.
The goal of each of program is different, but they are all linked by one common denominator, "to clarify the image of Latino people [so that it] closer resembles the true one, which is a beautiful one," said Tavarez.
"We are a culture that is rich in history and not often talked about or shared. Because Latinos’ background is composed of 23 different countries we often neglect many of those nations and its rich cultures and customs. Hopefully AL will strive to educate not just the Latino community, but [also] the campus overall," said Gutierrez.
"Some students have a false sense of pride — their knowledge of their culture and history rely on the information given through parents and it stops there, " said Tavarez.
Alianza Latina is reponsible for furthering knowledge and aiding in the production of culturally responsible Latinos at RPI. At their meetings, AL discusses history, campus events, and current occurrences in Latin America in order to give students the true appreciation of their culture and its value.
"Many people look at us and wonder why we are so tight to our culture and hold it so dear," said Tavarez.
"It’s not to separate ourselves but because we love it and if given the opportunity we’ll share it," Borges answered.
"[The Latino culture] is truly wonderful and diverse. It could only and should only be appreciated when one takes the time out to learn the truth." AL’s final event is LHM closing ceremonies on Thursday in room 3602 of the Rensselaer Union at 7 pm. The program will include folklore dancing and a traditional Latino meal.
