Listen to Jim Brannon talk about the event and an interview with Benjamin Reyes |
The Puente Club and the Chicanos and Latinos for Community Medicine Club held a fundraiser during a celebration of the Bicentennial of Mexico’s independence in Falcon Squae this past Thursday.
History professor Walter Fernandez delivered a speech at the Falcon Square stage about the significance of the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), the message by revolutionary priest Miguel Hidalgo on Sept. 15, 1810, in which he declared, “death to bad government.”
Rusty Kennedy, music major, looked forward to the fesetivities.
“Not being Mexican, it doesn’t really mean as much to me,” Kennedy said, “[but] I still think it’s important, because you’re in Southern California which is pretty much Mexico.”
Natasha Majano and Pable Harnadez, co-presidents of Puente, recited one account of the Grito in English and then Fernandez followed it up with a second interpretation, a Spanish version of Hidalgo’s speech.
“We’re celebrating the [Grito de la Independencia], which is just liike a fourth of July for Mexico, celebrating the 200 years of independence from Spain,” Harnadez said.
Puente sold burritos and horchata while CCM sold fruit bowls, churros and other refreshments.
Graciela Vasquez, an advisor for CCM, outline the group’s purpose, saying, “[CCM] is an organization to support students that are interested in going into health professions. They have academic support, social support and networking so they can get through the programs.
“A big part of it is community service. They like to tiw their health profession with the issues in the community.”
Benjamin Reyes, secretary and director of community service for CCM, explained the need for a fundraiser.
“Unforutnately, [the medical conferences] are really pricey, so all the fundraisers that we’re going to do from today all the way to December are just to prep us for one particular medical conference.”
Harnadez emphasized that Puente, which means bridge in Spanish, is not limited to Hispanics.
“It’s not necessarily for Hispanics,” Harnadez said, “it’s a mixture of all minorities and we’re trying to get them to the next level.”
View Mayra Salazar introduce the presentation of Mr. Fernandez
