The Latinx community promoted the breaking of barriers at the Latinx Reginal Conference on Sept. 22.
“We go to a predominantly white institution and it is hard for us to fit in,” said Ariana Galvez, a freshman political science major. “I think it is important for us to be surrounded by other Latinx students, especially upperclassmen.”
Latinx is a gender-neutral term for people of Latin American heritage.
“[Latinx is] the most inclusive word that describes our culture,” said Raul Albor, junior global supply chain management major. “We are striving to add it into our vocabulary.”
Walter Zakahi, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, shared personal anecdotes at the event that related to the overarching message.
Zakahi said that it is important to know when to fight and break barriers, but it is also essential to know when to build bridges.
“[My family] taught me what was worth fighting for.” Zakahi said.
President of the Association of Latino Professionals for America Kamila Achi said that the workshops are designed to teach the breaking barriers concept.
“Breaking barriers is something we really want to emphasize at this conference,” said Achi, senior global supply chain management and advertising double major.
According to Achi, the way to achieve this is by creating a safe space for discussion about current issues in the Latinx community.
“There aren’t many events that allow people to reflect on issues and educate others as well,” Achi said. “It is also held during Latinx Heritage month, so it educates people about the month and allows others to embrace their culture.”
The workshops covered important topics such as generational differences, music, civic engagement, mental health and women pursuing careers in the STEM field. These workshops were led by students who are passionate about the subjects.
Assistant professor of teacher education Juan Rios Vega is from Panama and shared his testimony on breaking barriers in America.
“I can speak in English and summarize in Spanish and I’m proud of that,” Vega said. “[I want] to empower my students … to break barriers every single day.”
About 80 students and alumni attended the conference as part of Latinx Heritage Month. Other events included a flag raising ceremony at the Alumni Circle of Pride on Sept. 21, “The Meaning Behind Latinx” at the Garret Center Sept. 18 and “Latinx in STEM” on Sept. 26.
This was the first year Bradley raised the flags of the Latin American countries in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month.
“It allows students from other Latinx countries to see a little bit of their country on campus and embrace their culture,” Achi said.
Latinx Heritage Month will continue the rest of October with events that demonstrate how Latin Americans have broken barriers.
Upcoming events include “Women in the Workforce” on Oct. 2, “Living Healthy the Latinx Way” on Oct. 17 and “Baila Night” on Oct. 29.
