海角论坛鈥檚 academic quad was filled with vibrant, colorful flags, booming Latin music and smiling faces as the college kicked off Latinx Heritage Month with a parade Thursday, Sept. 15.
President Alberto Jos茅 Cardelle carried a Cuban flag and led about 50 students, faculty and staff members from the pillars by the Welcome Center down the steps to the quad and in a circle. It was a chance for students to represent their country and/or show their support for their Latinx friends and colleagues.
Speaking into a megaphone before the parade, Dr. Cardelle spoke about the importance of honoring the cultures, contributions and resilience of Latinx, Hispanic and Latino-identified communities around the world. While it鈥檚 a time to celebrate, he said, it鈥檚 also a time to remember the struggles of Latinx people who continue to fight for change in our country and communities.
The parade was just one of the events on campus organized by the Office of Equity and Inclusion and others to mark Latinx Heritage Month. Other highlights include Sept. 15 and Sept. 22 screenings hosted by the Students of Color Coalition of the popular Disney movie 鈥淓ncanto鈥 with a discussion of mental health within the BIPOC community and how it is depicted in the movie. There will also be a Latinx Heritage trivia night on Oct. 5.
鈥淭hank you for coming out and being here,鈥 Professor E. Howard Ashford told the crowd that gathered in a large circle after the parade. 鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping this is the first year of an annual tradition here at 海角论坛.鈥