On behalf of the Latinx Studies Program, the Latin American Service Organization, and several other working groups on campus, this message is a plea for all to join us in helping our devastated communities. In lieu of tonight’s scheduled movie, we will hold a planning session on how to respond to crises in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the greater Caribbean. This meeting will take place in Mc 301, at 8 P.M.

This change comes as we find ourselves trying to make sense of the humanitarian crises that have emerged over the last several weeks. Mexico was hit with multiple severe earthquakes. Cuba, Puerto Rico, and many other Caribbean islands were ravaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria. As you read this message, many are in search of essentials such water, food, and shelter. Meanwhile, millions here in the mainland continue to sort through limited news coverage, and some are still waiting to hear that family members are alive and ok.

We are also concerned by our government’s response to these matters. After all, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States – a colony, really – and thus has limited capacity to act on its own behalf. Coupled with the absence of mainstream, on-the-ground television media coverage, the lack of communication continues to be a source of immense stress and confusion. On the one hand, we hear that federal resources have been deployed. On the other, our informal networks in places like Puerto Rico continue to tell us that the impact of this assistance is barely visible. Further, we have learned that the administration will not relax compromising laws that impede commerce and make it difficult for nearby nations to help.

Our concern has become particularly acute over the last 72 hours. It is our sense that the President does not understand the legacy of colonial history and does not prioritize the well-being of our Caribbean territories, or our neighbors to the south. We fear what might become of people and these places if residents are not provided with immediate assistance to sustain themselves. There is now talk of an exodus, and of politicians and investors strategizing to accumulate land, and privatize public goods. This would rob many of their homes, livelihoods, communities and ways of life. Historians of Latin America and its cousin, New Orleans, remind us that this would not be unusual.

So we ask that you join us tonight for the first of several strategy sessions, in place of the movie. Following this session, LASO and LALS will join the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Campus Ministry, TCUS, and others to piece together a broad campaign to collect goods, raise money, and influence policy in ways that can aid our global families. We welcome and encourage any individual or group that is interested in participating. Indeed, your help is integral to our success.
Our efforts will be both immediate and long-term. We will gather as many resources as we can to help now. But noting that the road to recovery will be long, we will establish a program that allows us to contribute to the rebuilding process over time. The range of options may include:

• Collecting goods that local partners deem most necessary. We will construct a specific list and share it with you as soon as we have met. Goods will be collected at the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Henneberry Hall.
• Lobbying political officials to establish forms of aid, suspend/remove the commerce-impeding Jones Act, and modify other restrictions that negatively limit the options for recovery.
• Fundraising. Noting that the most critical resource is money, we will partner with respected organizations that can facilitate monetary donations that go to those in need.

Again, we encourage all to join us in this crucial moment. If you cannot make it, but would still like to be involved, please contact us.

Dr. Alex Trillo
Latino Studies Program Director
[email protected]

Nathaly Pichardo
Latin American Service Organization President
[email protected]

Iris Morales

Alex Trillo, director of Latin American/Latino studies, brought together more than 140 students, faculty and community members to hear Iris Morales, J.D., on the Young Lords and Media Activism on Wednesday, April 29. The event began with a screening of her documentary, “¡Pa’lante, Siempre Pa’lante!,” which is an overview of the struggles and achievements of the NYC Young Lords Party from the late 60s into the early 70s. This was followed by a discussion led by Morales on issues in the Latino community, activism and media. Connections were made to the historic struggles of other ethnic groups as well as current events where these struggles continue.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Alex Trillo; Jackie Silva ’16, Christian Ugaz ’15, Dr. Donal Malone, Dr. David Surrey, Elizabeth Nunez ’14, Joe Delorenzo ’17, Nicole Vega ’15, Melissa Gomez ’15, Malia Fredrickson ’15, Dr. Jennifer Ayala, Emmanuel Brito ’17, Christine Colon ’17 and Dr. Joseph McLaughlin. Not shown are Michelle Perez ’16 and Ashley Taylor ’15.

Eleven Saint Peter’s University students, who worked with five members of the Saint Peter’s faculty, presented papers at the Society of Applied Anthropology Meetings in Pittsburgh in March. The students are members of the Latin American/Latino studies program, the sociology and urban studies program, the English department and/or the Title V program. The papers included: Immigrant Children in Translating Culture: Does Origin and locations Matter?; Gentrification, Resistance, and Identity in Spanish Harlem; In Order to Stay the Same You have to Change; A Study of Cultural Conversation and Change in a Latin@ Neighborhood; Gentrification in Downtown Jersey City; and Gender, Stress, and Coping Strategies among Undocumented Immigrants.

Sept. 16th: LASO Latino Heritage Month Opening Mixer/Fiesta and information on this year’s events.  Noon, at Panepinto Plaza, Student Center.

Sept. 18th: Title V Research Festival followed by dancing and dominoes. Duncan Skyroom.  Research presentations at 4PM, salsa documentary at 6PM, and dancing/dominoes immediately after.  Dance lessons included.

Sept. 23rd: Martin Luther King visit to Saint Peter’s plaque dedication and film, O’Toole Library, 3PM.

Sept. 25th: Off-Broadway production of Platanos, Collard Greens and Callaloo: A hilarious tale of interracial and intercultural love, family drama and politics.  6PM in Roy Irving Theater.  Free to all Saint Peter’s community members.  RSVP required to [email protected]

Sept 30th:  Film: Made in America and discussion on immigrant rights and sweatshops, and labor laws.  McIntrye Lounge, 11AM to 1PM.

Oct. 7th:  Jose Antonio Vargas talk/discussion on immigration. locations TBD.  See calendar or email Nicholas Chiaravalloti: [email protected]

Oct. 9th: LASO Poetry Slam.  7PM, Roy Irving Theater.

Oct. 15th: National Latino AIDS/Health Awareness Day.  Information pamphlets all day.  Film and discussion at 6PM.  Pope Lecture Hall.

Oct. 24th: Latin Thursdays/Latino Heritage Month Closing Party.  Games, music, storytelling and scholarship information.  5PM.  locations TBD.  See calendar or email [email protected]

For more information, please contact the Latin American and Latino Studies Program Director, Dr. Alex Trillo ([email protected]) or 201-761-6157.

A play about Karl Marx, his life & ideas
Wednesday May 1 (May Day!)
6 P.M. in Pope Lecture Hall

The audience will encounter a Marx who remains passionate about injustice, critical of inequality, and combative with his rivals … but also a Marx who is loving toward his family, saddened by their poverty, and willing to rethink some of his ideas. —Steve Buechler, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Sponsored by: Sociology & Urban Studies Dept. Political Science Dept. Women’s Studies Program, Public Policy Program, Latino Studies Program, Africana Studies & Sociology Club

Speakers from various community organizations will speak in front of the city council in support of this ordinance.
Being that we are all a part of the Jersey City community, it is important that we become involved in helping the immigrant population. Every person makes a difference, please try to come out and support the cause!
The contact information can be found in the flyer.

Furthermore, if you would like to learn more about the work we are doing regarding immigration and immigration reform please visit our table (Cool Chicks for Comprehensive Immigration Reform) at the EOFSA carnival on April 24th in the Jesuit Court.

Sincerely,
Ashley Soto/CCIR
[email protected]