‘Culture is everywhere’: Celebrating Afro-Latinx heritage

The Society for Advancement of ChicanosHispanics and Native Americans in STEM (SACNAS) is a national organization that aims to promote diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. On Wednesday night, the Beckham Room of the Bill Daniel Student Center was transformed into a celebration of Afro-Latinx culture and heritage as SACNAS hosted an event called "Culture is everywhere."

The event featured traditional Panamanian stories, clothing, cuisine, music, and dancing. Panama is a country in Central America with a rich cultural heritage that blends African, indigenous, and Spanish influences. The event showcased the unique traditions of Panamanian culture, including traditional clothing such as the "pollera" (a colorful dress) and "pajarilla" (a headdress made of feathers), as well as music and dance performances that highlighted the country's vibrant cultural heritage.

In addition to the cultural displays, the event also featured a panel discussion on the intersection of race, ethnicity, and culture in STEM fields. The panelists shared their experiences as Afro-Latinx individuals working in STEM and discussed the challenges they have faced, as well as the importance of representation and diversity in these fields.

Overall, the "Culture is everywhere" event was a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Panama and an opportunity for SACNAS to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. The event highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.