LBCC’s Latinx Cultural Grad Celebration, specifically called RAICES, will take place this Saturday May 31 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the LAC Hall of Champions located in the R Building and will include performances, speeches and a food reception.
Student registration for this event has closed due to the event reaching capacity, however students who didn’t get to register are still encouraged to attend the event.
“We’re not going to turn anyone away,” said James Ceja, the lead organizer of the graduation. Supplies for medallions and other goodies are available only to students who have RSVP’d.
This event will be bilingual, meant to accommodate both English and Spanish speakers, and its purpose is to celebrate the accomplishments of graduates and to celebrate all Latinx cultures.
At the beginning of the event mariachi performers will welcome students and their families. Attendees will also have access to pastries and coffee in the morning.
Staff members and graduating students will have time to give inspirational remarks.
Folkorico dancers will perform halfway through the celebration and students will walk the stage and receive a medallion shortly after.
The medallions will have the words “Si se pudo” which translates to “Yes we did it,” these words are inspired from the popularized Latinx phrase “Si se puede” meaning “Yes we can.”
After the walking ceremony, a food reception will take place for both students and their families.
A DJ will also be present at the reception to play dance music from various Latinx cultures.
“We welcome any recommendations from all different cultures, preferably dance music so people can start dancing and stuff, yeah like reggaeton, cumbia, salsa, so ranging from all of our different cultures,” Ceja said.
Families are encouraged to bring celebratory items like balloons, gifts, face cutouts and flowers to show support to their graduates.
Students are encouraged to bring two family members, but there is no definite limit as organizers understand that Latinx families are usually large in numbers.
Two student graduates who plan on attending the RAICES Grad Celebration shared what the event means to them.
“This graduation means a lot like we’re representing our ancestors and our people that didn’t finish their educational journey and we’re finishing it for them to demonstrate the new generation and inspire others,” said Evelio Gandara.
Graduate Miguel Zavala also shared his perspective.
“I guess for me it’s just one step forward and moving on to the next part of my academic journey, so I’m happy to share that with my community,” said Miguel Zavala.