The Office of Multicultural Affairs in conjunction with Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc., presented the program “Inviting all Latinos to the Hill” on Oct. 23 in the MSC Ballroom. The program was hosted by Elma Gonzalez, director of multicultural affairs, who gave the audience a sense of togetherness that sometimes isn’t sparked on a culturally diverse campus like Prairie View A&M University.
Dr. Lauretta Byars, vice president of student affairs and institutional relations, spoke during the program about how diverse PVAMU has become over the century of educational services. “I love to see the diversity the melting pot of cultures brings to this campus,” said Byars. “I encourage all of you to join the organizations we have all over campus and also get with other students and learn more about their beautiful cultures while you’re here.”
Eric Jimenez, the president of Sigma Lambda Beta, spoke on the misconception America has created about Cinco de Mayo-May 5. “The misconception that America has is that Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican Independence Day,” said Jimenez. “The truth is that day is celebrated because of the great defeat the Mexican army had over the French army in Puebla. The actual Mexican Independence Day is Sept. 16, 1810, and Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated between Sept. 15-Oct. 15.”
The history caught many students off guard as they expressed how they have been misinformed on the history of Cinco de Mayo. “I didn’t even know that wasn’t their independence day,” said senior Ravonne Jones.
Gonzalez and Jimenez ended the program by recognizing individuals who have contributed to the success of Latino and Hispanic organizations on campus as well as other student organizations and their presidents such as LULAC, the African Student Association, and the International Student Organization.