PUBLISHED:October 10, 2022

Students honor struggle and strength in celebrating Latinx Heritage Month

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LALSA members say the student group and Latinx Heritage Month provide opportunities to celebrate culture, share stories, and build toward an inclusive legal profession.

In celebration of National Latinx Heritage Month, Duke Law School partnered with the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) to produce a series of weekly social media posts featuring several of the student organization’s members. Each shared about how and why they honor their Latinx heritage – in their personal lives, while in law school, and as they look ahead to their careers in the law.

National Latinx Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. The month-long celebration’s origins date back to Sept. 17, 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill establishing National Hispanic Heritage Week.Two decades later, under President Ronald Reagan, Hispanic Week was expanded into a month.

The use of “Latinx” in place of “Hispanic” stems from a movement in recent years to represent the identities of non-binary, gender non-conforming, and gender-expansive people. “Latinx” also centers the lives of indigenous, Brazilian, and other non-Spanish speaking people. However, many in these communities choose to identify as “Hispanic,” “Latino/a,” or “Latine.”

During National Latinx Heritage Month, we recognize the contributions and influence of Latinx Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Read on to hear the voices and experiences of LALSA members Daniela Melendez Garces LLM ’23, from Bogotá, Colombia; David Marantes ’25, from Boerne, Texas.; Jasmine Rivera ’24, from Las Vegas, Nevada; and Nicole De Brigard ’23, from Miami, Florida.

What comes to mind when you think of Latinx Heritage Month?

Jasmine Rivera ’24
Jasmine Rivera ’24

Daniela: “The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of National Latinx Heritage Month is my roots – where I come from. It reminds me of Colombia’s culture, people, food, landscapes, music, and above all my family.”

David: “As a self-proclaimed foodie, I immediately think of the rich colors and flavors of our different cuisines. But far beyond that, I think of how our many perspectives and successes enhance our communities. Our deep stories are worthy of being celebrated, and I think that taking the time to acknowledge the work that’s been done is always important.”

Jasmine: “I think about the opportunity to celebrate my heritage. Growing up I struggled with living so far away from extended family and worrying that I was missing out on much of my heritage. But, Latinx culture comes in so many forms and this month is about celebrating in any form that you can.”

Nicole: “When thinking of National Latinx Heritage Month, my cultural pride comes to mind. I view this month as a reminder to embrace my heritage, culture, and ethnicity. It’s a special time to view my heritage as an enabler, rather than a barrier.”

What does celebrating your Latinx heritage mean for you?

Daniela: “Celebrating my Latinx heritage means to me a moment to celebrate our history and all of our achievements as Latina.”

David Marantes ’25
David Marantes ’25 and family

David: “For me, a big part of celebrating my heritage means celebrating my family. I think of my parents, my grandparents, and the trials they overcame. I’m amazed by their tenacity, perseverance, and their refusal to let anyone undermine their dignity or define them by what they couldn’t do. I’m proud of this heritage, and I hope to continue living it.”

Jasmine: “Many of us come from families who sacrificed to be where they are now and to me celebrating my heritage means taking pride in my family’s journey. My parents came over from Mexico, but no matter how much time has passed since they lived there, we continue to hold pride in the city they came from and the life they left behind.”

Nicole: “To me, celebrating my Latinx heritage means celebrating my parents. My parents immigrated from Colombia to Miami, Fla., in the 1980s to start a new life and pursue a better future for my siblings and me. As much as my parents wanted my family to live the ‘American dream,’ they prioritized raising my family in our Colombian culture and heritage.

"To celebrate my Latinx heritage is to celebrate the aspect of my life that most feels like home.”

Did you intentionally seek out the Latinx community at Duke Law?

Daniela: “When I came to Duke Law, I wanted to meet the Latinx community because it makes me feel near home. I enjoy meeting people from the Latinx community because I feel that we help each other to succeed and overcome difficulties.”

Daniela Melendez Garces LLM ’23
Daniela Melendez Garces LLM ’23 and family

David: “Growing up knowing few people like me, it’s meaningful for me to connect with members of the community. But here, the Latine community sought me out! Shortly after being admitted, LALSA members asked me if I had questions – and at Open House, I enjoyed their company (and boundless wisdom!). They played a huge role in my decision to come to Duke.”

Jasmine: “I intentionally sought out the Latinx community by finding LALSA, because there’s something uplifting about being in a community of people who relate to you. There are such large underrepresentation issues in law, but that disparity seems a lot less daunting when you’re in a community that makes you feel like you deserve to be here.”

Nicole: “Upon starting at Duke Law, I was nervous about leaving my family, community, and the South Florida Latinx hub. When I was greeted by Duke’s Latinx community, every member felt like home. I felt like I could be my genuine, unfiltered self with my Latinx/LALSA familia. I got involved as a 1L Representative and later, as the Vice President of External Affairs for LALSA.

"From networking events to ‘cafecito y chisme,’ the Latinx community has served as a daily reminder to be proud of who I am and where I come from."

How has being a member of LALSA supported you as a law student? 

Daniela: “LALSA has helped me to meet people from the Latinx community, I really enjoy the activities that they have hosted and all the commitment with all the members of the community.”

Nicole De Brigard ’23
Nicole De Brigard ’23

David: “In my brief time as a law student, I’ve been showered with so much helpful advice, so many friendly hellos, and a real sense of belonging. I’ve also felt wanted, validated, and like I have someone here looking out for me. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to learn from LALSA’s kind, brilliant, and passionate legal professionals.”

Jasmine: “The LALSA community prides itself on its internal commitment to each other’s success and things like outline banks and advice sessions have showcased that commitment. Going one step further, I have been able to connect with LALSA alumni who have offered me such amazing guidance and support.”

Nicole: “As a LALSA member, the community has supported me personally, academically, and professionally. I have made authentic friendships with some of the greatest people at Duke Law. I formed mentorships with LALSA members seeking to support me in my academic and professional goals.

"I built a network of LALSA members, past and present, that have been in my corner throughout law school. But most importantly, the LALSA community has motivated me to be the best version of myself – as an individual, law student, and future lawyer.”

After graduation you'll be entering one of the least diverse professions in the U.S. How do you think being Latinx will influence your perspective in these spaces?

Daniela: “My Latina identity will influence my perspective in these spaces, for example, by teaching non-Latinx people about our culture. I feel beyond happy and proud to share about my country with other people. Furthermore, I think my Latina identity will influence the spaces where I will be in a positive way. From my view, Latinx people are very hard-working persons who do not give up that easily. Moreover, we always have a positive attitude towards life and that helps to overcome any situation that may arise.”

David: “With my identity, I understand the challenges of being in these spaces – it's frustrating and intimidating when people hold preconceptions of who I am and what I should be. But rather than letting others impose their beliefs on me, I’ll continue to push back and preserve my dignity. I will also work to be a helpful resource for future #lawtinos.”

Jasmine: “The lack of diversity in law is not lost on me, but I never want that to make me forget who I am and where I come from. I understand the value of opportunity. The hard work that I witnessed my parents commit themselves to brought me to place considerable pride in my own work ethic and that is something I will continue to do in my career.”

Nicole: “I believe my Latinx identity will influence my perspective in the legal profession through representation and mentorship. I aim to amplify the often silenced and suppressed voices of the Latinx community in the legal realm. I aim to use my identity as an enabler for future generations of Latinx lawyers to know that they belong in this profession. Finally, I aim to serve as a mentor for the next generation of Latinx lawyers.”

To learn more about the LALSA at Duke Law, please visit their website and Instagram page.

Duke LALSA wins 2022 D.O.N.E. Award for Greatest Role in Building Relationships
Duke LALSA wins 2022 D.O.N.E. Award for Greatest Role in Building Relationships

 

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