Had the best time at the Vecinos de South Pasadena meeting this afternoon. Who are Vecinos?Well, according to their website - "In March 2003, a group of residents established our organization to bring together Latinos, friends, and all interested neighbors to form a stronger connection to our city, while maintaining and sharing our rich cultural heritage with others. Vecinos highlights the contributions of Latinos in California from the past to the present".
They generously offered an opportunity for me to share some history followed by a booksigning. There were about 20 adults at the start of the talk. Since the book is in a photo essay format, I almost always include a powerpoint presentation.
After a few minutes of images and talk, a Vecino shared "the children should be listening to this". I agreed, let them know that when the end of the kids attention span was met, I'd be comfortable with them leaving the room. Zoom, in they came. And I am happy to say, most stayed, for the duration of the talk.
So today, we not only had glimpses into the past; the Vecinos made sure to take advantage of the present in order that their children might have a stronger connection with their heritage in the future.
To learn more about Vecinos - http://www.vecinosdesouthpasadena.org/
You know, that sounds like a great experience. I'm glad the kids got to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteIt was truly encouraging. The fact that the adults thought of the young people and that they in turn stayed...well, it makes this Old Teacher's heart pretty darn happy. How wonderful that the adults kept the kids in mind, throughout. And the kiddoes that wandered away did so quietly so as not to disturb those that stayed.
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