Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation

Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month with APSU’s Latino Community Resource Center

BY KEMELIZ FUENTES

Many perceive the Latinx community as a homogeneous body, but unity does not only derive itself from similitude, but from the recognition and celebration of all differences within Latinx cultural groups. This year’s national theme for Latinx Heritage Month, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” tackles these concepts in bringing Latinx people and this nation closer together to build a brighter future.

Unity and inclusivity were at the core of why Austin Peay State University’s Hispanic Cultural Center rebranded to the Latino Community Resource Center (LCRC) in 2019. The word “Hispanic” does not include indigenous or non- Spanish-speaking groups, and its roots are often associated with Spanish colonialism in America. Yanaraliz Barnes, the director of the LCRC, understood that “Latino” represents more of the community.

‘Hispanic’ refers to language, and ‘Latino’ refers to area,” explained Barnes. “While Spanish is the most-spoken language in Latin American and the Caribbean, it is not the only language. Indigenous languages, Portuguese, English, German, Italian and more are also spoken in this region.

With the name change, Barnes also adjusted the programs, resources and events to focus on the recruitment, retention and graduation of the Latinx community at APSU. She wanted the LCRC to be a known resource to students, and also extend its roots to the greater Clarksville community and beyond.

Austin Peay State University’s Latinx Heritage Month Planning Committee established a university-specific theme for 2022 in “The Latinx Experience.” Through a variety of programs planned throughout the month (which is observed September 15 through October 15), the committee aimed to promote inclusivity and intersectionality, even with the name and the theme itself. Since the Spanish language is gender-based, the “x” in “Latinx” encourages people to stop, think and have meaningful conversations regarding identity within the Latinx community. The “x” gives everyone the opportunity to present themselves as they personally believe. This year’s theme explores unity as we all collaborate, reflect and offer ideas on how we can all be more inclusive and celebrate our differences.

To begin, the committee stressed the importance of recognizing that the Latinx experience is not only lived by people here today, but has grown from the early ancestors of today’s community – the Indigenous peoples of our history. Artist and head of the committee’s marketing, Gabriel Fonseca, felt inspired to honor and celebrate Indigenous culture through this year’s theme and design. The roots of Latinx people lead back to Indigenous groups like the Maya, the Inca, the Aztecs and the Taíno, each of which are highlighted in this year’s design through their respective gods. Reminding ourselves of the rich, beautiful history and culture of the past connects Latinx people with their Indigenous roots and further instills a deep sense of pride. This year, we celebrate the Latinx experience of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

The LCRC has served and continues to serve as an essential backbone in promoting inclusivity and diversity in the Austin Peay State University and Clarksville communities.

In planning events, the committee was sure to open its doors to all students, regardless of background, to serve. This encouraged a plethora of different ideas, perspectives and opinions to ensure that all voices on campus were being heard, bringing to light how diverse the Latinx experience is.

“Vamos a Bailar!” highlighted the rich musical and artistic talent of the culture by teaching students the basics of salsa and bachata. The LCRC collaborated with the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center to put together an art exhibit and open mic night, showcasing local Latinx talent through poetry and music. “Honoring Latinx Military Heroes” brought in Austin Peay’s Newton Military Family Resource Center to recognize the brave lives of Latinx people who served in the United States military. “Latinos with Pride” celebrates Latinx people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ Latinx individuals to express themselves and emphasizing the importance of intersectionality and inclusivity. At “More Than One Word, More Than One Heritage,” the Austin Peay community engaged in thoughtful and meaningful discussions surrounding the idea that the Latinx community is not homogeneous, and highlighted the diversity within each Latinx cultural group, from Puerto Rico, to Cuba, to Honduras, to Colombia and beyond.

During Latinx Heritage Month, the Latino Community Resource Center offered an informational bilingual FAFSA night where students and parents could learn more about the FAFSA, financial aid and the APSU admission application in Spanish and English. This is one of the many programs hosted by the LCRC to help students in their college endeavors.

By creating a safe space where Latinx students feel welcome – where they feel at home – students have a higher chance of continuing their pursuit of higher education and becoming successful. Through the diligent and persistent work of the Latino Community Resource Center, the Latinx community here in Clarksville has a pillar of culture and support to lean on. The LCRC has served and continues to serve as an essential backbone in promoting inclusivity and diversity in the Austin Peay State University and Clarksville communities. ¡Vamos Peay!

apsu.edu/student-life/lcrc