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Members of the �������� community recently gathered to celebrate Puerto Rican culture by marching in the 33rd annual Springfield Puerto Rican parade in downtown Springfield.

Prior to the event, Marjorie Rodriguez, Assistant Director for Student Access and Support at �������� framed the importance of participating in cultural celebrations: 

"As a Puerto Rican employee at �������� and advisor of the Latinx Association for Empowerment (LAfE), I'm super excited about our participation in the Puerto Rican Parade,” Rodriguez said. "Even if you are not Puerto Rican, this is a great opportunity to strengthen our bonds as allies and to learn more about our roots, culture, costumes, food, energy, and the music that may have made you dance, laugh, or even sing at some point in your life.”

Dianyeliz Ozuna Sandoval, President of (LAfE), praised the atmosphere of comradery present throughout Springfield. “Attending the Puerto Rican Parade was an incredible experience,” she said. “As a Dominican, attending and being able to be part of such a lively celebration was a reminder of how important it is to embrace and honor our Latinx/Hispanic culture. This was a vibrant thread in the fabric of our society, showing the strength that comes from diversity and the magic of togetherness." 

Max Saito, a professor in the Communication Department, said participating in cultural events are important to highlight the intrinsic bonds which hold people together and keep them rooted in common ground.

"I thought it was a very wonderful, very exciting event,” he said. “It was a special treat to join and share the experience with members of the Puerto Rican community. I loved experiencing the sights and sounds that were familiar to members of that community, especially since it was a new experience for me. As we celebrate the diversity of our community, it's important to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage as a way of showing that we support each other and we are there for each other. I also think it's important that we learn about and celebrate the richness of each other’s cultures. I was proud to hold the banner for ��������.”