Hispanic How? At Seton Hall and Beyond

Human Relations Council

April 24, 2008

Yo Soy = I Am Poems

•  Take a few minutes to write a poem as a group entitled “Who I am.” The only rule for the piece is that each line must start with the phrase “I am...”

•  We leave this open to your interpretation, but suggest that you include statements about where you’re from ethnically, regionally, and your customs etc.

•  Please write about whatever defines you culturally! Each member of the table must contribute at least 2 lines (NO REPEATS!!!).

What is Latino Poem By Ariso Herrera (sancocho97)

I am Latino.

I am the spirit of mighty tribes, incorrectly called Indians, whose lives and land were taken out of greed.

I am the blood of kidnapped souls from a distant land forced into lifelong slavery.

I am the language of the Spaniards that now unifies my people.

I am the fresh smell of the endangered rain forests struggling to survive.

I am the taste of rice and beans, plantains, sugar cane, coffee, and mango.

I am the warmth felt from a voluptuous Latina`s lips.

I am the sight of beautiful craftsmanship that radiates from the golden artifacts remaining from the Incan Empire.

I am the voice of a child asking for a parent`s blessing, "La Bendicisn papi, `Cion mami".

I am the love and unity that is imperative in our families.

I am the father leaving my family and country, attempting to find better work in America to support my family back home.

I am the young mother who stops the pursuit of my goals and instead dedicate my entire life to raise my kids.

I am the illegal immigrant coming to America in hope of better opportunities, finding instead a society that will not accept my humble desire to work.

I have white, red, brown, and black skin.

I have nappy, curly, straight, blond, red, brown, and black hair.

I am not only puerto rican and mexican, I am also honduran, panamanian, salvadorian, colombian, and cuban among many more.

I am Dominican.

I am not only the merengue and the salsa, I am also cumbia, palo, festejo, bachata, bolero, and ballenato.

I am the sheading of blood, sweat, and tears, from years of oppression and discrimination.

I am the will to still continue to struggle until equal treatment and opportunity for my people is reached.

I am just like you, human.

I have the Heart of a native, the Strength of an African, and the Pride of a Spaniard.

I am Latino

Continued…

Note I wish to acknowledge and fully recognize that the following definitions are open to discussion, disagreement and controversy.

Further, they may not fully represent every possible interpretation and perspective.

Latino - Hispanic Hispanic

The term Hispanic has been used in English for centuries to describe anything “pertaining to Spain or its people” (OED). Its use as a label for Spanish-speaking inhabitants of the U.S., however, can only be traced to the 1970’s, when it was used (e.g. in the US Census) as a blanket term encompassing Mexican American and Puerto Rican communities. It is a term that emphasizes a common origin and language.

Latino

The term Latino appeared in the U.S. in the second half of the 20th century to refer to people of Latin-American origin living in the U.S. It was embraced by some, mostly in California, as a term which originated in the community rather than being imposed from the outside. It emphasizes a certain sense of community and shared identity.

Hispanic or Latino

Hispanic or Latino While many people use both terms interchangeably, for people who make a distinction between them, Hispanic may suggest a link to Spain and/or to the language, while Latino places the emphasis on belonging to a particular group within the United States.

Other Latin American Any person born and raised in Latin America may be defined as Latin American.

Latin Americans may or may not consider themselves Hispanics or Latinos.

These categories were developed within the United States and some Latin Americans may not wish to define their identity on the basis of classifications created within the U.S.

Spanish, Latin, Hispanic/Latino

U.S. Census Bureau Definition of Hispanic or Latino Origin

What does the term Hispanic or Latino origin mean?

For the Census 2000 and the American Community Survey (ACS): People who identify with the terms "Hispanic" or "Latino" are those who classify themselves in one of the specific Hispanic or Latino categories listed on the Census 2000 or ACS questionnaire – "Mexican," "Puerto Rican," or "Cuban." It also includes people who indicate that they are "other Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino.“

Origin can be considered as the heritage, nationality group, lineage, or country of birth of the person or the person’s parents or ancestors before their arrival in the United States.

People who identify their origin as "Spanish," "Hispanic," or "Latino“ may be of any race.

Did You Know? The Hispanic population in the U.S. is estimated at 44.3 million people,

making this group the largest ethnic/race minority. (U.S. Census Bureau, 7/16/07)

Hispanics constituted 15% of the nation’s total population.

The projected Hispanic population of the United States as of J July 1, 2050 will be 102.6 million, resulting in 24% of the nation’s total population.

Spanish is spoken by over 400 million people around the world, and in 19 countries in Latin America and Spain.

Presentation of Questionnaire Hispanic How?.............at Seton Hall and Beyond

We hope to get just an idea of how members of the Seton Hall community identify themselves and their experience here. A summary of your answers will be presented at the Human Relations Council meeting, aimed at increasing understanding among all in the Seton Hall community.

Please answer the following questions by circling the number that best describes you.

1. I am Hispanic or Latino or Either is OK or Neither (1) (2) (3) (4) 2. I am a Student Faculty Staff (1) (2) (3) 3. I speak Spanish yes no (1) (2) 4. I was born in the United States yes no (1) (2)

5. The fact that I am Latino/Hispanic has helped (1) hindered (2) had no effect (3) on my studies/career/experiences at Seton Hall.

6. I would like to see more programs/activities in SHU that support Latino/Hispanic topics/interests/experiences. yes (1) no (2) n/a (3)

7. I would be interested in learning about the new Latin American & Latino Studies major. yes (1) no (2)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: For more information contact Dr. Ileana Rodriguez at rodrigil@shu.edu THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

4. Born in the U.S… Yes – 72% No – 28%

Total Respondents:

7. I would be interested in learning about the new Latin American and Latino Studies Major. Yes – 90% No – 10%

1. I am… Hispanic – 30% Latino – 33% Either is OK – 36% Neither – 1%

2. I am a… Student – 82% Faculty/ Staff – 18%

3. I speak Spanish… Yes – 90% No – 10%

5.* Being Latino/Hispanic… Helped – 55% Hindered – 12% Had no effect – 33% * Ss selected All Options ** Ss selected Helped and Hindered

6. I would like to see more programs/activities in SHU that support Latino/Hispanic topics/interests/experiences Yes – 92% No – 0% N/A – 8%

The Seton Hall Experience Student Presentations

•  Jonathan Castañeda

•  Liza Chu

•  Catalina Isaza

•  Ivan Vilela

We’ve been… We are… We could be…..

“Seton Hall University has maintained an international presence ever since its founding in 1856…the 20th student to enroll in the newly founded institution came from Merida, Mexico”. (Report from the Internationalization Laboratory Leadership Team, February 13, 2008)

Early 1970’s acceptance of Latino students and organizations denied to lukewarm at best ( Dr. Jose Adames). Adelante was not funded or allowed membership in the SGA. 1974 Puerto Rican Institute founded.

In the 1980’s there is certain representation in the HRC (1987) through Staff/Administration. Committee reports on the status of Hispanics campus wide, involving students and administration/staff.

1990’s Participation in NCBI, active HRPC with student organizations, the PR Institute and Dominican Institute (1999) lead to increase programming for Latinos, to support Latino student groups, to foster better communication and improved connections among the different groups on campus.

We’ve been… We are… We could be…..

Early 1970’s acceptance of Latino students and organizations denied to lukewarm at best ( Dr. Jose Adames). Adelante was not funded or allowed membership in the SGA. 1974 Puerto Rican Institute founded.

In the 1980’s there is certain representation in the HRC (1987) through Staff/Administration. Committee reports on the status of Hispanics campus wide, involving students and administration/staff. (JA)

1990’s Participation in NCBI, active HRPC with student organizations, the PR Institute and Dominican Institute (1999) lead to increase programming for Latinos, to support Latino student groups, to foster better communication and improved connections among the different groups on campus.

We’ve been… We are… We could be…..

“Campus is now more diversified in all ways.” Community members have an increased awareness of the diversity, among Hispanics and have more frequent conversations about Latinos and “who we are”.

More Latino students now on campus than ever, yet “we need more faculty representation”. “We need to see more teachers that look like us”.

Adelante, the Latino Student Organization is given “tier 4” placement on budget for activities and is again named Organization of the year by HRPC. As people, organizations can only thrive in a fertile environment when recognized and provided support.

We’ve been… We are… We could be…..

Staff/Faculty Suggestions: - Important to better understand the different types of groups of Latino students presently at Seton Hall, to improve retention.

- Consider focus groups to explore in depth the different group profiles and experiences of Hispanic students, possibly work on retention first then recruitment, with the information acquired.

- More programs, academic and co-curricular, to address Latino issues/topics/experiences, submitted as a universal request.

- Issues of Financial Aid and Scholarship continue as an area of concern for students who wish to remain at Seton Hall.

- Excellent that we now have a Latin America – Latino Studies Program (major and minor) within the College of Arts &Sciences.

We’ve been… We are… We could be…..

Programs Dedicated to the Study, Research & Support of Latino Issues:

The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute

Nuestra Misión/Our Mission

Consistent with the mission of Seton Hall University, the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute will promote the development of servant leaders with a focus on the culture, the experiences and the contributions of Latinos in the United States, as members of a global community.

The Institute aims to provide a space for dialogue, to encourage research and study of the Latino experience, with particular emphasis on literature and the arts, the sciences, and business and finance, to further advance intercultural understanding.

New B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies

The new B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) is built upon the interdisciplinary study of cultures, languages, histories, literatures, politics, economies, religions and arts of both Latin America and Latinos in the United States. The Latin American and Latino Studies program, which offers both a major and a minor, emphasizes both acquisition of knowledge and the development of literacy and skills including reading critically, writing analytically, and researching innovatively. In addition to required courses, it includes study abroad and internship and research opportunities.

Courses offered for fall 2008 include:

LALS 3319 – Issues in Latin American Pop Culture (cross listed with SPAN 3319) SPAN 3001 – Advanced Spanish I SPAN 3101 – Advanced Spanish for Native Speakers SPAN 3404 – Masterpieces of Spanish Literature II

LALS 1001 – Intro to Latin American Studies LALS 1401 – History of Latin America I (cross listed with HIST 1401) LALS 3401 – US Latino Literature (cross listed with SPAN 3491 and ENGL 3404)

If you would like to learn more about this exciting new major and minor please contact: Dr. Matthew Escobar Director, Latin American and Latino Studies escobama@shu.edu

We’ve been… We are… We could be…..

The state of our Hispanic/Latino union in Seton Hall is strong!

But

We Can and We Must Do Better