LBCC welcomed students to the Liberal Arts Campus auditorium on Thursday for a RAICES Cultural Graduation Celebration for all Latino students and their families to join.
The graduation was not only an event to celebrate what was accomplished by graduates, but to rejoice with the communities and families that supported in making it possible.
The event began with a performance from a Mariachi band and shortly after, the emcees for the event Rosa Martinez and graduating student Juan Pablo Magana, came out to welcome everyone.
Martinez and Magana gave their speeches in both English and Spanish, delivering powerful speeches about their lived experiences and their personal resilience as Latino students at LBCC.
Long Beach City College student Elizabeth Ruiz, left, and her daughter Jazmin Ruiz, right, with their graduation caps on together at the RAICES Grad Celebration in the Auditorium at the Liberal Arts Campus on Thursday. The RAICES graduation was for the Latino community. (Alexandra Rios)
Board of Trustees President Uduak-Joe Ntuk, Superintendent-President Mike Munoz, graduating student Celia Constantino, and keynote speaker Robert Robles also shared their stories and congratulated the graduates.
During the walk to receive their diploma, graduates got the opportunity to bring someone to walk alongside them. Many bought a parent, a family member, and some even walked with their child.
Many of these people have lived their lives with many personal and societal struggles, but they didn’t let it tear them down.
Some of the struggles include living in fear as undocumented immigrants or worrying for the undocumented immigrants in their lives to not having the resources and privileges some people have had because of their ethnicities and legal status.
Patricia Boutte, a resilient mother and graduating student, shared her experiences with the way she’s been impacted by the presidential administration and her struggles in getting her green card.
“When I knew I would be okay, I was able to concentrate on my studies and focus on my school and everything. But it was, like, a moment of flash before your eyes, that you’re gonna get taken from your family.” Boutte said.
The concept of having cultural celebrations is very meaningful and special as it highlights and embraces the roots and cultural pride of those participating.
It has also allowed people not of these cultures to gain insight and understanding on the customs and how they can be supportive of their peers.
“I think the pride and difference in your culture is really important. We all have our different customs and traditions and to be able to see that displayed, and for other people to learn how to honor that is important as well. So that’s why I support and that’s why I come. So I know how to support my scholars of different ethnicities,” black student success center coordinator Angela Fowlkes said.
Fowlkes expressed the significance it can carry for people both part of and not of the cultures being represented.
“I was excited and screaming with all my fellow Latinos. We were dancing and singing along to the mariachi music. It was very fun and well organized.” Ana Barrios, a mother of a graduate said.
As the graduation ended and everyone stepped out of the auditorium, they were greeted by loud music and snacks, continuing the celebration.
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