Viva la Raza was launched on Monday, April 14th with a campaign called “Drop the I-Word,” in which students advocated for people to stop calling undocumented people in the United States “illegals.” The documentary 9500 Liberty was shown in Viking Theater to give a glimpse of the heated immigration issue.
On Tuesday members of the student organization Presente gave a presentation on the differences between authentic Latin American cuisine and how it’s been “Americanized.” Food was catered by El Triunfo in Northfield and was available for guests to eat as they listened to the presentations.
The following day, Present members collaborated with members from La Casa Hispánica to give a presentation on the similarities and differences of celebrating Semana Santa, aka Holy Week, in parts of Latin America and throughout Spain.
On Thursday Presente members were given the honor of speaking with Dr. Liliana Garces, the MCA Spring Speaker, on what actions were taken to expand and appropriately strengthen diversity on campus. Later that evening Presente members attended Dr. Garces’ public lecture on an analytic review of affirmative action in college institutions.
Many of the Viva La Raza events were well attended, reminding students that there is a limitless amount of information one can learn throughout the American continent.
-Victor Juarez ‘15