Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies Commons^™

Latinos: Breaking The Barrier Of College Education Completion, Wendolyn J. Martinez

2018 Symposium

After being met with disadvantage for years Latinos have begun to break away from stereotypes and reaching new highs in college enrollment as the group experiences reduced high school dropout rates. Despite the high rate of Latino college enrollment, low completion rates of bachelor’s and associate degree programs persist. The goal of this project is to identify the barriers Latinos experience while attending higher education, prompting them to drop out and suggest solutions to these problems. Through the analysis of data from scholarly sources and the U.S Census Bureau, conclusions are drawn on the reasons Latinos have such a low …

The Link Between Latinx And American Music, Koby T. Sonnabend

2018 Symposium

Music is something that is constantly changing along with its listeners. What is unique about music is the affects it can have on communities and specific groups of people while in return, those people change the future music that will be released in the future. As the Latino population grows in the U.S., the impact felt by the culture follows suit. Latinx musical elements are becoming an integrated part of American popular music which coincides with the increasing presence of Latinos in America. This paper will describe the traits present in Latino music and relate them to developing traits in …

Standardized Test And The Impact On Latino Students, Jose A. Hernandez

2018 Symposium

This research reports on what Standardized Test are telling us about the type of education students of color are receiving and how it impacts them and the schools they attend. The method of analysis for this research relies on multiple peer reviewed articles and journals to draw conclusions on the impact of standardized testing. Upon examining the data, it has become clear that standardized testing indicate students of color are not getting the quality of education that their white counter parts are receiving. Standardized testing has clearly shown the education gap which has minimized future educational opportunities due to the …

Obstacles That Latinx/Chicanx Encounter While Getting Into The Medical Field, Shreya Patel

2018 Symposium

This research paper informs the audience and presents them with an understanding of Chicanos/Latino education obstacles that are in their way of getting jobs in the medical field. Among these challenges include poverty rates, language barriers and discrimination. This paper discusses the potential opportunities and benefits of Chicano students entering the medical profession. My study assess the current state of Chicano’s in the medical profession and how they can shape their future. This study relies on scholarly sources and peer review journals as the method of analysis from which its conclusions are drawn.

Latino Communities And The Health System, Savanna Stockman

2018 Symposium

This research project is to give an insight into the relationship between Latinos in both careers and lifestyle. There are thousands of graduates each year into the medical field; yet the percentage of those of Latino descent is below average. This research paper will show the involvement of Latino communities within the medical field. The reasons why the percentage of those in the field is lower than that of any other ethnicity. Surveys of Latino culture would suggest that many feel that the Healthcare system doesn’t satisfy their needs and institution rates of Latino medical graduates is significantly lower. This …

Why Are Higher Education Institutions Failing Latinx Students In Helping Them Obtain A College Degree?, Adrianna Amarillas

2018 Symposium

Latina/o’s represent the largest college going minority in America, yet only 15 out of 100 students will graduate a 4-year institution (Castellanos & Gloria 2007). Latina/o’s have been identified as the minority in the United States but now represent the majority of the minority. With the demand for higher education and degrees, this study explores whether or not higher education institutions in the U.S are fully prepared for the increase of diversity. Being the second largest ethnic group, this work attempts to identify addressing possible barriers that make it harder for students, specifically Latino students achieve higher education. Barriers such …

The Causes Of Underrepresentation Of Latin@S In Computer Science And Stem Fields, Casey Cahill

2018 Symposium

The purpose for writing this research paper is to inform readers and give them a new perspective on the low population of Latin@s in computer science and other STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) related fields. This research project shows the underrepresentation of Latin@s in high tech jobs, and some of the possible causes behind this phenomenon. This paper will look toward the statistics showing that there is an absence of Latin@s in computer science and STEM across the nation, and through those statistics attempt to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of the current situation in the computer science and …

Latinos In Higher Education, Teala Frazier

2018 Symposium

In the United States the population of Latinos is disproportionately underrepresented in higher education and completing a degree. The percentage of high school age Latinos have a disproportionate dropout rate compared to other populations and as a result do not pursue further education. This study will examine whether the dropout rate in the United States since 2000 is the primary reason for the lower representation in college or if there are other factors including socioeconomic or cultural. Sources used to study this issue include newspaper, PEW research, U.S. census data, and scholarly articles. The research presented in this paper will …

Y’En A Marre! Hip-Hop Culture And Social Mobilization In Post Colonial Senegal, Lucie Latuner

Anthropology Department Honors Papers

After over fifty years since decolonization, Senegal is seen as a success story in establishing democracy in sub-Saharan Africa. However, due to neocolonialism, Senegal is still far from independent, and its leaders are still working against the interests of their people. Emerging out of a history of anti-imperialist mobilization, young rappers continue a transnational struggle against imperialism in reference to the ideology of revolutionaries before them. These rappers and journalists, drawing on a sense of responsibility to a historical, multigenerational fight, unite to create the movement Y’en a Marre—a movement of civic mobilization to oppose their authoritarian government and fight …

Yurumein - Homeland Study Guide, Andrea E. Leland, Lauren Poluha

Documentary Study Guides

The Garifuna and Carib communities of St Vincent in the Caribbean collaborated with the documentary filmmaker Andrea E. Leland to produce Yurumein – Homeland: The Caribs of St Vincent, an exploration of the historical and spiritual significance of St Vincent and Baliceaux to Garifuna and Carib communities.

This film guide speaks about the history, culture, music, and food of the peoples that were displaced from their home and, through activities addressing the film's content, informs readers about the movement to bring Garifuna/Kalinago culture back to St Vincent and reconnect Garinagu to their homeland.

Latinx/Chicanx Students On The Path To Conocimiento: Critical Reflexivity Journals As Tools For Healing And Resistance In The Trump Era, Jesica S. Fernández, Alejandra Magaña Gamero

Ethnic Studies

Anzaldúa’s concept of conocimiento guides our analysis of Latinx/Chicanx students’ Critical Reflexivity Journals (CRJ) produced in an Ethnic Studies classroom at a predominantly-white institution. Through a thematic analysis procedure of students’ CRJ entries, which we describe as written testimonios, we discerned how Latinx/Chicanx students’ writings engaged their identities, reflexivity, healing, and resistance on a path toward conocimiento. Grounding our theoretical and empirical analysis in Anzaldúan thought, conocimiento is characterized by a deep reflexive critical consciousness that unfolds across seven interconnected stages. Conocimiento builds toward a liberatory transformation that Anzaldúa describes as spiritual activism, the seventh and final stage of conocimiento. …

Fight The Power: Subversion In The Oral Tradition Of African-American Art, Craig Demelo

Master’s Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Powerpoint: Critical Engagement: Colin Kaepernick, Mason Sargent, Tate Henrikson, Sean N. Bennington, Justin M. Porter, Nicolete D. Moyo

Womanist Ethics

Critical Engagement is the use of practical strategies and pedagogical methods [that] challenge dominant intellectual legacies, theological resources, and ideologies that undermine the goals of Womanist ethics, namely, the empowerment of black women. It is a concept created by Floyd Thomas, in whose writings, it is one of the five Womanist tenants. We decided to base Colin Kaepernick’s ‘take a knee’ movement as an example of Critical Engagement. Using this perspective, we examined the various aspects of the movement and analyzed the effects on American culture and society through a Womanist lens.

Magazine: Alice: A Womanist Ethics Magazine, Lucy Kebler, Grace Dematteis, Karli Stankus, Laurin Hopping

Womanist Ethics

Alice is an academic magazine that focuses on the topic of womanism and one of its primary tenets, radical subjectivity. Incorporating both historical womanist content, and modern womanist perspectives, Alice brings a modern twist to the idea of radical subjectivity. The magazine concentrates heavily on current womanist celebrities, who bring womanism to the public. Alice maps out both straightforward and ambiguous instances so that the reader can better understand them. The magazine also incorporates interactive material, such as a womanist quiz, and two womanist recipes.

Sr. Holy: A Calling From The Lord, Caitlyn Schaffer

Ask a Sister: Interview Wisdom from Catholic Women Religious

This paper includes a portion of an interview with Sr. Holy, a woman religious missionary who belongs to the congregation of Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, where her theological beliefs are enacted by her service to others. Within the congregation of Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, she is focused on directing the novitiate, giving spiritual direction, volunteering with the aid for women, networking with the aid for women, and taking part in a life learning center making disciples. She uses her gifts that Jesus has given her to employ her virtues in the service of others. Throughout her life she mentioned the …

Toward A Theology Of Transformation, Hannah Kathleen Griggs

Eddie Mabry Diversity Award

Black liberation theologians come to terms with white supremacy by collectively remembering the story of the Exodus and Jesus' crucifixion--affirming God's preference for freedom and in-the-world salvation. The particular history of white American Christianity requires a different story to provide the foundation for our social memory. As white American Christians, we have certain blind spots—blind spots created by historical and social privileges that have given white people unequal access to power and resources. The story of Zacchaeus has the potential to help reframe white Christianity’s conception of race relations in the United States, shifting from a reconciliation paradigm to a …

Reading Carlos Bulosan/Documenting The Filipino Diaspora: An Editorial Introduction To Writer In Exile/Writer In Revolt: Critical Perspectives On Carlos Bulosan, Jeffrey Arellano Cabusao

English and Cultural Studies Journal Articles

This editorial introduction to Writer in Exile/Writer in Revolt: Critical Perspectives on Carlos Bulosan (2016) sheds light on the diasporic scope of Bulosan’s literary imagination and the literary scholarship on his diverse body of writing. Writer in Exile/Writer in Revolt gathers for the first time nearly sixty years of literary criticism by scholars in the United States and the Philippines on Bulosan, a pioneering twentieth-century Filipino writer in the United States. The editorial introduction highlights the ways in which Writer in Exile/Writer in Revolt documents the unfolding of Bulosan’s radical literary imagination which straddles the colonial and neocolonial periods of …

Rita, Rita, Tsos

TSOS Interview Gallery

Rita Alkhaledy grew up in Sadr City, a poor suburb of Baghdad. Her father is an Iraqi Arab and her mother was Kurdish Iranian. Her mother lived in fear that she would be cast out of Baghdad as being an outsider in Iraq was frowned upon. Her father served in the Iraqi army in the 80s and was gone a great deal, leading to a strained relationship. Their relationship was mended when her mother died from cancer.

After the Iraq war, Rita and her brothers realized that their lives were in danger. They had to move from house to house …

An Overview Of Asian American Literary History, Janet H. Clarke

Library Faculty Publications

What are the library services and resources that Asian Pacific Americans need? What does it mean to be an Asian Pacific American librarian in the 21st century? In Asian American Librarians and Library Services: Activism, Collaborations, and Strategies, library professionals and scholars share reflections, best practices, and strategies, and convey the critical need for diversity in the LIS field, library programming, and resources to better reflect the rich and varied experiences and information needs of Asian Americans in the US and beyond. The contributors show that they care deeply about diversity, that they acknowledge that it is painfully lacking …

The Heritage Journal Spring 2018

The Heritage Journal

The Heritage Journal is a biannual newsletter for the Black Studies Program at Providence College. We invite our scholarly community—students, faculty, staff, alum and community members to contribute to Heritage. Pieces can take multiple forms such as art, poetry or prose; they can be reflective or analytical.

Dearly Beloved

The Heritage Journal

No abstract provided.

False Stereotypes, Jordan Everard

2018 Symposium

Despite the Latinx community being misrepresented in mainstream American media, countless Latinx individuals have accomplished prestigious milestones throughout history in America. The stereotypical notions that have formed over the years towards Latina/o’s are both insulting and undermining. Common traits that these stereotypes follow often include the idea that Latinx people are poor, uneducated, violent and unsuccessful. My intent is to discuss self and societal impacts of these stereotypes and to nullify these negative stereotypes toward Latinx individuals by identifying positive traits that outstanding Latinx citizens possess, along with important positive impacts the Latinx community has made in American society. Through …

Why Are Latinxs Underrepresented In Medical Professions?, Elizavet Mariscal Guzman

2018 Symposium

Between 1960 and 2013 the number of Physicians in the United States with Latinx background increased by 3.8%. For example, 7% out of 70,000 bachelor’s degrees in 1986 were acquired by Latinxs. This research examined will address why the health industry is lacking Latinxs in medical professions, along with what factors are impeding them to get into the Medical Field. The methods used will consist of scholarly and peer reviewed articles. Based on preliminary research, the factors contributing to this underrepresentation include lack of role models and resources, as well as urban schools that are infested with violence, drugs, and …

Academic Focus On Hispanic Students In Predominantly White Institutions, Marixza Torres

2018 Symposium

This project explores the extent in which federally funded programs, Chicano/a studies courses and Chicano/a Studies departments in predominantly white institutions have provided an inclusive learning environment for Hispanic students. The goal of this paper is to shed light on the resources universities provide for Hispanic students. Studies have shown that Latinos students attending predominantly white institutions experience more hardships because of the resources that are less inclusive of their experiences. This work uses peer review and scholarly sources as the method of analysis to assess the effectiveness of retention practices by colleges and universities with Hispanic students.

The Education Gap Among Latina/O Students, Zachary Ray Berkshire

2018 Symposium

The focus of this research paper is on the education gap of Latino/a students, between the ages of 18 and 24 compare to White students. According to the U.S Department of Education, about 82% of Latino/as graduated with a diploma or received a GED from high school, compared to the 92% of the White demographic. While the high school graduation rates among Latinos has improved significantly over the last fifteen years, there still need to be further efforts to close the achievement gap. Preliminary research suggests that poverty rates among Latino/a families affects the quality education they receive and whether …

Parental Deportation Effects On Citizen Children, Esmeralda S. Montano

2018 Symposium

In this paper I will be discussing how Hispanic children are affected by their parents documented status, deportation, and how it can affect them physically and mentally. Studies have shown that children who live in a household where at least one of their parents is undocumented don’t do well in school and are even less likely to graduate from high school (Luis H. Zayas, Lauren E. Gulbas). These children don’t feel secure because of raids that occur and laws that are passed that make it really hard for undocumented people to have a stable life which also affects them economically …

Dual-Language Immersion, Joseph C. Miller

2018 Symposium

While latinos make up 18% of the American population, many analysts are noticing a problem with their education (Flores, 2017). One attempt to confront this problem is by the implementation of Dual-Language Immersion programs. The attempts to successfully transition first generation Spanish-speaking children into a predominantly English-speaking society like America have produced negative effects on their cognitive development. This establishes the premise for educational hardship throughout their scholastic development. Research has shown that Dual-Language Immersion has become an answer for this issue addressing the gaps and pitfalls that first generation Spanish-speaking children experience in a basic educational platform (Valdes, 1997). …

Latinos In The Military, Austin Johnson

2018 Symposium

What roles have the Latino American community had in the United States military historically and how did they impact it? How are Latinos shaping the military today? Through historical records, personal accounts, and reputable journals this study leads to the conclusion that Latino Americans regardless of the racial tensions of the past have always been ready and willing to serve for a multitude of reasons including, patriotism, educational benefits, economic advancement, and most importantly equality. There is a trend of increasing numbers of Latinos enlisting in the military. Since the 1980s the number of Hispanic active-duty troops has risen from …

Latino/A Presence In Media, Keiton A. Klein

2018 Symposium

In the United States, the Latino/a population is very poorly represented in the media by being both misrepresented and underrepresented in all forms of media including: newspapers, television news, and movies. When and where there is representation, it typically is a negative portrayal of a Latino character or story. This passive racism assigns these people a negative connotation regarding their ethnicity and as a result, it has a destructive effect on their population. Through the use of scholarly articles and documentations, research will show how these stereotypical portrayals negatively impacted Latino lives. The misrepresentation of Latina/os in mainstream media is …

Latino Stereotypes In Television, Michael Haynes

2018 Symposium

As we’ve seen numerous examples of in English television shows, Latinos and Latinas often are portrayed in ways that are consistent with stereotypes. Latino men are often portrayed as violent criminals or gangbangers who are bad to women and Latina women are often portrayed as being very sexual often having roles as prostitutes and things of that nature as well as being very loud mouthed and obnoxious. The purpose of this research paper is to expose how Latinos are almost never portrayed as mainstream characters, often being portrayed as sidekicks or lowlifes. This paper will also seek to expose how …