Latino Cultural Center builds communities in 'Week of the People'
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue's Latino Cultural Center will join in the national celebration of "Semana de la Raza," or "Week of the People," with events that feature the talents of Latinos from Feb. 27 through March 3.
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"This celebration is typically observed in the West Coast and Southwest regions and is usually connected specifically to Chicano or Latino people," she said. "However, most universities and agencies have been more inclusive to include people of all persuasions.
"We have decided to celebrate this week as a way to promote social justice within Latino communities and also to share the beautiful aspects of our cultures."
The celebration, which is open to the public, will kick off with a "Day of Community Service" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 27 when people are encouraged to find a volunteer opportunity in their community. One option, Alvarado said, is to help the Latino Cultural Center move to its new location at 600 Russell St., in the heart of the campus.
"This move will be important to help establish our identity, but there are many worthwhile causes in our community where people can make a difference," Alvarado said.
For information, call (765) 494-2530 or e-mail alvaradm@purdue.edu.
The weeklong celebration also includes a presentation that addresses the situation of young people who are undocumented but grew up and were educated in the United States. The session, "Immigration and U.S. Policy: The DREAM Act," will be at 6 p.m. March 1 in Beering Hall, Room 1268.
"Immigration laws force undocumented students to find ways to get into and pay for higher education," she said. "Currently, these students are not eligible for in-state tuition nor are they eligible to receive federal financial aid. The DREAM Act as of now is just that, a dream. However, we hope to build awareness of what the act is about and encourage people to ask questions."
Other events during the week include:
• Feb. 27. 6 p.m. Rawls Hall, Room 1011 – Community Service Day and "Celebrando con Celia: La Reina de Salsa Represents la Raza Latina." Using historical and literary methods, this presentation will discuss the commercialization and marketability of Celia Cruz, a black Cuban exile known throughout the music world as La Reina de Salsa.
• Feb. 28. 2 p.m. Krannert Auditorium – Derecho a Vivir sin Violencia: a panel discussion on interpersonal violence in the lives of Latina and immigrant women. Communities Against Rape will host a panel discussion, facilitated by Kimber Nicoletti, special projects coordinator, on preventing violence in the lives of Latina and immigrant women. This exploration also will focus on current immigration laws and how they affect prevention efforts.
•March 2. 7 p.m. Beering Hall, Room 1268– "Nueba Yol," movie and discussion. This Dominican film uses a comedic approach to convey some of the very serious issues facing new arrival, Balbuena, to New York City.
• March 3. 8 p.m. Loeb Playhouse – "Anytown: Stories of America" presented by Purdue Convocations. Inspired by the period between the two world wars, the Shapiro and Smith dancers perform a new work to the music of Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa and Soozie Tyrell. Tickets are $28 and $20 and are available at the Loeb Box Office.
Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu
Source: Maricela Alvarado, (765) 494-2530, alvaradm@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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