As Hispanic of Heritage Month has already passed the halfway point, the Student Diversity and Inclusion department has provided the school with a series of events celebrating Latinx culture.
Every Tuesday, after Latino Alliance ends their weekly session, they host Movimiento Martes, a weekly event where the students are taught different Latin dances. The school also hosted La Cultura Cura to provide a space for Latinx students to process and discuss how culture and mental health are intertwined and offered a puppet performance, “Juana and the Missing Mayan Book” by Mexican artist Rocío (Chío) Cabrera.
These events were popular and valuable by those who attended. For Cultura Cura and Movimiento Martes, dozens of students showed up and as a result have felt seen and heard.
Columbia needs to expand these events past Hispanic Heritage Month and Día de los Muertos.
It is great that Columbia has created these events, but it is important for students to be represented all year around.
As Columbia approaches becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution, defined by having at least a quarter of full-time students who are Hispanic, retention is a key for their success. Latinx students don’t want to be forgotten and ignored.
As a Hispanic-Serving institution, Columbia has the opportunity to create a foundation and space for Latinx students.
Thankfully, SDI’s recent initiatives helped celebrate Latinx and other people of color at Columbia. Ana Karen Pinto, the event coordinator of SDI told the Chronicle at La Cultural Cura, “My goal is for the students to feel like they are celebrated, validated and that their voices matter.”
SDI should get more support, whether that be added funds or more advertising for these events. As well, Columbia should strive to invite and showcase Latinx artists in the Chicago community. It would help inspire students in their future careers and keep up retention.
If Columbia really cares about their Latinx students, they will strive to support them with events that they can see themselves in.
