Rice University Hosts Activist Roundtable to Conclude Hispanic Heritage Month, Addressing Community Experiences and Challenges

As Hispanic Heritage Month closed, Rice University welcomed guests for a roundtable discussion to further explore the experiences and complexities of the Hispanic community.

Luziris Pineda Turi, associate vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, associate teaching professor of Spanish and co-chair of Latine Heritage Month, welcomed the attendees with a call to submerge themselves in the history, stories and knowledge of Latine activists.

“Enter ‘Hispanic Heritage Month’ into the Google search bar for images, and you will see photographs depicting bright colors, national flags, flowers, papel picado and women in Mexican folklorico dresses,” Pineda Turi said. “While we all need and love music, dance, food and traditions linked to our national identities, our stories are more than that. Yes, we share in joy and celebration, but we also have a legacy of advocacy, activism and civic engagement.”

Two student moderators, Vanessa De Leon Diaz and Van Hernandez, moderated a guest panel that included four members of the Houston community who all identify as Latine:

• Daniela Garcia from Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, which serves as a unifying voice to eliminate sexual violence in Texas. As the statewide coalition of survivors, advocates, rape crisis centers and allied professionals, TAASA fosters a culture that respects the fundamental rights and dignity of all.
• Nalleli Hidalgo from Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, which promotes environmental protection through education, policy development, community awareness and legal action.
• Armando Silva from MECA, which provides arts education, support services and multicultural artistic performances and events to students and their families, helping to build discipline, self-esteem and cultural pride.
• Bianca Spencer from Yo Soy AfroLatina, which builds community for Afro Latinx women of all ages, empowers people through intentionally crafted events and mission-driven partnerships and celebrates the intersection of Afro-Latinx identity.

Discussion topics included the panelists’ motivation for their work, difficulties faced in their jobs, challenges because of identity and biggest calls for future action.

Responses from the panelists revolved around environmental justice, sexual violence prevention and the need for funding and community collaboration. The panelists also emphasized diversity of thought, the importance of youth involvement and authentic representation in their work.

The free gathering was part of a series of cultural events held throughout the month, which the university themed Latine Heritage Month this year, highlighting the rich traditions and contributions of Latine communities.

The events held during Latine Heritage Month were coordinated by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Multicultural Community Relations in the Office of Public Affairs and the Multicultural Center. The month was punctuated by a kickoff celebration, weekly hangouts, celebratory music and dance gatherings, film festivals and more.