Welcome!
Hello everyone and welcome to the 19th Annual National Latino Collegiate Conference!
On the weekend of March 20th-22nd, 2009, Fuerza Latina will present the 19th annual National Latino Collegiate Conference (NLCC) at the State University of New York at Albany. The theme for this year's conference is titled "La Voz de La Calle...Turn Up the Volume." La Voz de la Calle ("The Voice of the Streets") refers to the desire for an individual within a community to be heard. When that individual is unable to relay the message necessary for change, he/she turns to his/her community for support.
It is evident throughout history that the unification of a group of people with a common purpose can achieve far more than one can on his/her own. Whether it is through interacting with the community, the media, or local organizations, Latinos have demonstrated that the voice of many can overcome obstacles. They achieve this by coming together en "La Calle" ("The Street"). La Calle is not just a way of arriving to one's destination. It is the common ground where people from all walks of life come together for a common purpose; where people can express what they believe in and fight for their rights, regardless of race, class, or gender.
Our attendees range from students to prominent community members from all over the country. The NLCC established in 1991 by the members of Fuerza Latina was the first of its kind and caliber. It reached out to other Latino students at the neighboring colleges and universities. Our theme will highlight the voices of the street through workshop and presentation on gentrification, graffiti art and LGBT community.
This year, the banquet will be held at The Desmond Hotel featuring a keynote address from Maritza Martinez, assistant dean of the Educational Opportunity Program in the Office of Academic Support Services at UAlbany, followed by festivities. The weekend will conclude with a leadership summit where students can further discuss pressing matters affecting Latinos today. It will improve leadership skills among individual that will be beneficial to their own organizations as well as their own personal development. Not only people leave with leadership skills but with new networks.
We hope to better inform our attendees of the problems that are internally and externally affecting our communities and to instill in them a sense of unity which will empower us to find a solution to these problems. "La Calle" represents our willingness to leave our mark on generations to come. The beauty of this conference is the diversity within our communities and our connection to each other through "La Voz de la Calle".
On behalf of Fuerza Latina, we invite you all to join us and experience this memorable weekend!
Sincerely,
Luz Corona, John Martinez, Nidia Bisono
19th Annual National Latino Collegiate Conference Coordinators
EN LA UNIDAD HAY FUERZA!