Brooklyn private independent school

BC Talks: Celebrating Latine Resilience

BC Talks: Celebrating Latine Resilience

On Friday, January 10, Berkeley Carroll’s Latine affinity group proudly hosted the first BC Talks of the year, titled “Reclamando Nuestra Historia: Latine Resilience in NYC.” The event brought together students, faculty, and guest speaker Dr. Sandra Chapman for an inspiring day of exploration and celebration of Latine culture and resilience.

The day began in Sterling Place, where students and faculty gathered to hear Dr. Sandra Chapman, an educator, leader, and workshop facilitator, speak about the importance of resilience. Drawing on examples from Latin music cultural icons like Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and José Feliciano, Dr. Chapman shared how these figures embodied strength and perseverance. Her talk sparked engaging conversations about discovering resilience within ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Afterward, students broke into smaller groups for class discussions. These sessions encouraged deeper reflection on the themes of the day, with students considering what motivates, energizes, and sustains them during challenging times.

The second half of the day featured a variety of workshops that expanded on the vibrant, musical spirit of the event. Students explored the enduring influence of West African music on contemporary Afro-Latinx culture, delving into sacred rhythms and traditions in a workshop titled "Ashé, mucho Ashé." In the Upper School gym, participants joined a high-energy salsa dancing workshop led by Tropical Image Dance Studios, learning fundamentals that brought the room to life with rhythm.

Others engaged with the immigrant experience through a screening of My American Girls, a vivid documentary about the Ortiz family that prompted discussions about the rewards and challenges of pursuing the American Dream. Meanwhile, a masterclass led by Damian Quiñones and his band showcased the evolution of Afro-Puerto Rican music, blending traditional folk elements with modern jazz and rock to illuminate cultural intersections.

Workshops also celebrated the everyday, colorful expressions of Latine culture, such as "Slangish: Spanish Beyond the Classroom," where students learned colloquial phrases from across the Hispanic world, and "Dominoes: Culture and Competition," which combined cultural significance with spirited gameplay. In another creative offering, students crafted intricate Oaxacan sand tapetes under the guidance of Mr. Cortes, exploring how this traditional art form represents resistance and resilience. Finally, a "Latine History and Culture Museum and Kahoot" session invited participants to examine artifacts from Latine history before testing their knowledge in a lively trivia competition.

A big thank you to the Latine affinity group, Dr. Chapman, our dedicated faculty, and the students who made this BC Talks event such an enriching and fun cultural experience!