WKU News

A recent celebration of the connection between African and Latino cultures at WKU provided a unique learning experience for students. WKU’s Amy Bingham explains in this week’s View from the Hill.

Hands-on learning is the best learning. That’s why a Spanish instructor expanded this year’s showcase of Afrolatinidad culture and made the project an actual grade rather than extra credit.

This is “Celebrando La Afrolatinidad” where students are the star of the show.

“I just gave them the idea, I just gave them information and they just went with it.”

Spanish Instructor Yertty Vandermolen says 100 of her Spanish students used artwork, cultural presentations, culinary displays and stage performances to showcase their understanding of the Afro Latino heritage.

“I want them to learn and dispel some stereotypes about Latinos. I want them to realize that there’s a bigger community out there.”

Non-traditional student Rick Brown displayed how Argentinian Gauchos, otherwise known as South American cowboys, would have made tools in the 18th and 19th centuries.

“What I made was some homemade knives that were hand-forged and hand-made and in the traditional way, not using power tools or anything.”

Brown says he was surprised by how much he enjoyed the project since he initially tried to get out taking a foreign language.

“I’m older and I thought it would be very hard to learn but Professor Vandermolen made it very fun to learn.”

Junior Shirma Pierre Bott is originally from Jamaica. She played a big role in organizing the event and also served as host.

“Being able to share with my guests and to my friends as well is a big honor for me because I don’t see myself in a lot of people here.”

It was an evening full of Afrolatinidad history most of the students didn’t even know about.

“I’ve learned about plenty of other Afro Latinos other than Cardi B and Celia Cruz. Hands-on learning is probably the best learning you can ever have.“

The event was sponsored by a number of organizations including Modern Languages, the Campus Activities Board and WKU Global.