"When you say Hispanic or Latino, there's so many different cultures within that from each country", Stern said. "Each one has its own really rich tradition and it's really important to recognize and distinguish between those different cultures and not just lump them all together as Hispanic."
for immigrant rights, stern values
spending time with the Hispanic
community on campus and in Law-
rence and she wants every student to
see how important this culture is.
month.
Edited by Sarah Champ
TH/KANSAN to help with n campus in
The unity of Hispanic culture on campus is evident to non-Hispanic students as well. Sarah Stern, a junior from Lawrence, was vice president of HALO last year but now
Miguel Camacho, president of the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO), said these events on campus are important to bring exposure to HALO and the Hispanic community.
HALO kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 16 by showingc Hispanic dance and music, two things Camacho said are very important to the Hispanic culture.
Kellen Bolt, a senior from lola and co-director of the University Center for Community Outreach, encouraged students to contribute to the United Way's efforts in supporting Lawrence non-profit organizations.
University students tossed footballs and donated money outside the Kansas Union yesterday afternoon as part of the United Way of Douglas County's fundraising kickoff event.
GROWING UP HISPANIC
Velasco knows all about the importance of these traditions, having
GROWING UP HISPANIC
"I don't think many stu
"Coming to KU it was really great to see not just Mexicans, but people from other Hispanic countries fully embracing their heritage," Velasco said. "It was really easy for me to accept my own culture when I saw so many people celebrating it and people I could identify with."
0
oselves as ence com-
culture in a democratic way will help of Hispanic Heritage Month activities.
grant parent.
Once Velasco and his family moved to Wamego when he was 15, that all changed. As one of three non-white kids at his new school, Velasco, for the first time, felt ashamed of his culture.
"Being the new student and being the minority student, as well, I kind of tried to blend in as much as I could since I am lighter skinned," Velasco said. "Rather than just trying to challenge them and make them see the real side of being Hispanic, I didn't want to stand out
munity — I really didn't until I started getting involved," he said. "I don't think they realize how much the United Way does and helps to make the Lawrence community as strong as it is. It's here making the city a more attractive place to live."
After several preliminary donations, including a $62,000 gift from Rock Chalk Review, the United Way is well on its
Index
CLASSIFIEDS 11
CROSSWORD 3
SEE UNITED WAY 12
CRYPTOQUIPS 3
OPINION 4
SPORTS 12
SUDOKU 3
Don't forget
All contents, unless stated otherwise. © 2011 The University Daily Kansan
The Legends of the Phog basketball game is this Saturday.
Today's weather
Forecasts done by University students. For a more detailed forecast see page 2A.
HI: 72
L0: 50
Nice fall weather.
北
海
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