ComUnidad: Celebrating Our Leadership Through the Rise of Our Community
In the wake of the recent hurricanes, Bay Path’s Latinx Symposium united some 70+ attendees who acknowledged the depth of the devastation and the toll it has taken on families around the world as well as here in our own community.
There were moments of silence and hands raised in hope along with workshops, a Bomba Y Plena demonstration, keynote remarks by Trustee Dr. Estela Lopez, a media panel and luncheon of Latin/Hispanic food.
Elizabeth Cardona opened the event by stating, “As we remember those impacted by the disasters in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and other areas, we hope to lift everyone up with this event. Together, we can overcome obstacles.”
In her welcoming remarks, Yadilette Rivera-Colón, PhD, encouraged everyone to embrace their heritage. She wore what might be considered a “pollera colora” - a Spanish term for a wide, one-piece skirt used mostly in traditional festivities.
Alumna Brendaliz Cepeda brought history to the Symposium by sharing the legacy of her family – Bomba y Plena, the music that connects Africa to Puerto Rico, which involves traditional instruments.
Cepeda traces her lineage to Rafael Cepeda Atiles (1910-1996) -- “The Patriarch of the Bomba and Plena,” and was born into a family who has passed the traditional dance from generation to generation.
Following the morning workshop, attendees enjoyed a traditional ethnic lunch and listened to keynote remarks from a member of Bay Path University’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Estela Lopez.
Dr. Lopez shared three strategies for success in a world that needs leadership at all levels: know who you are; know where you stand; and protect one another.
Participants then listened in on a Media Panel consisting of experienced Latino journalists Carlos Resto (La Voz), Vanessa Pabón (WGBY), and Natalia Muñoz (Verdant Multicultural Media).
The journalists discussed their current roles in the field, as well as shared the importance of Hispanic representation in the media.
The Symposium provided an opportunity for workshop leaders to share a piece of their world with others.
Workshops offered at the event included: Ecuadorian Culture, Climate Change, and Intersectionality.
One student captured the experience by saying, “I learned a lot about culture and who I am.”
Reflecting on Hispanic heritage month at Bay Path
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the contributions made by Hispanic and Latin Americans to the United States and learn about the diverse cultural heritage rooted in their history. Bay Path University celebrated the month, which begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and Belize, and extends to October 15, through a series of community-building events that culminated in a Latinx Symposium.
View the slideshow of the Symposium by clicking the arrows above.
Learn more about Bay Path’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Students and faculty involved in our academic communications program helped to shape this story.