Every September, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in which the culture and traditions of all Latin American heritage roots are honored.
“It’s a celebration of people who have been here even before the Europeans,” said ethnics studies teacher Gerald Padilla.
On Tuesday, the Cadena Cultural Center and the Extended Opportunities Program and Services held Bienvenidos, an event that welcomed all people, Latino or otherwise, to learn about the services the college provides.
“About 10 years ago the faculty realized students weren’t given the info they needed to become successful,” said former FC political science professor Adela Lopez.
According to NBC Latino, more Hispanics are enrolling in college than ever before. Latinos are now the largest minority groups on most college campuses, both community and university colleges, creating a 16.5 percentage increase on all graduate and undergraduate Latinos students since 2011.
“Chicanos and African Americans were not doing so well a while ago, this event helps keep them from falling again,” said Lopez.
Many students are unaware of any tutoring aids, financial help or club activities that are available to them. Bienvendos is a way to connect to all students, while helping raise awareness of the Latin American culture.
“Events like this bring the campus together,” said art and history major Olivia Cortez.
Associated Students, Counseling Chicano Resource Center, Dream Team and other clubs were there to inform students of campus activities and to provide quick help and counseling.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, Americans take the time to celebrate the importance of the Hispanic community and its essential role it plays in the fabric of American history.
“The future of America is inextricably linked to the future of our Hispanic community,” said President Barack Obama.
In September 1968 Congress authorized President Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week to become a month long celebration.
“We couldn’t have done it without the help of the Cadena Transfer Center and EOPS,” said Lopez. “I hope this event spread light for the Latino Culture.”