Darian O'Donnell/THE GATEPOST
By Mark Wadland
The American Library Association and the National Endowment of Humanities sponsored a $3,000 grant to fund events during Hispanic Heritage Month, which occurred from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
According to the American Library Association, FSU was one of three colleges in the state to receive the Latino-American Grant.
Digital Services Librarian Millie Gonzalez co-wrote the grant with Patricia Bossange, development officer of corporate and foundation relations. They began writing the grant between the end of last year and the beginning of 2015, according to Gonzalez.
Gonzalez wanted to offer the programs to everyone in the Framingham community. “We wanted all the activities to coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month.”
As part of the grant, she said she received training on how to publicize the programs in June, and the two organizations accepted it because she and Bossange wrote it “in the spirit of the community.”
The grant has funded and will continue to fund events both on and off campus. These events included a screening of the fourth episode of the documentary series, “The New Latinos,” hosted by Professor Patricia Sanchez-Connally, a reading of “Wise Latinas: Writers on Higher Education,” an anthology discussing the relationship among race, class and identity in higher education and a reception held Oct. 9 which celebrated the grant.
Gonzalez said they wrote the grant to help others “learn about the Hispanic culture – the contributions that they’ve made to America.
“It was perfect timing to \nd out about the wonderful things these people have brought to America. It really was a wonderful, collaborative effort,” she said.
Kathy Martinez, director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence, said she helped Gonzalez plan a few of the events, including a screening of the documentary “Latino Americans,” which was held in the center.
She added that it was “a great opportunity to learn about Latino history.”
Martinez said students, faculty and staff have opportunities to create programs, and are doing so. But, she said, we must ask ourselves what else we can do. She said nothing is perfect at FSU, but “we’re certainly committed to making things better and more inclusive.
“Every culture is different. Every culture has their own unique story.”