By Dr. Laura Johnson
Over the week of Fiesta Boricua, two visitors from National Sun Yatsen University’s (NSYSU) Center for Alumni Relations and Social Engagement, located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan visited the community to learn more about programs of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) and work in the broader community. Amber Wu, Senior Manager and Director, and Emily Liu, Project Assistant, traveled to Chicago at the invitation of Dr. Laura Ruth Johnson, a longtime supporter of The PRCC and a professor at Northern Illinois University who has spent time at NSYSU as a visiting scholar and is currently conducting research with colleagues at NSYSU as part of a Fulbright-Hays grant. Laura met them during a research sabbatical in 2019 and found mutual interest in the areas of community-university partnerships and community-engaged learning and research.
Amber and Emily came to Paseo Boricua to not only learn about innovative models in the areas of youth employment, small business development, and arts and culture, but to engage in dialogue and discussions about potential collaborative projects and initiatives. While here, they were graciously hosted by The PRCC and attended a number of activities and events, including The PRCC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, the monthly Puerto Rican Agenda meeting, the dedication of the Pedro Albizu Campos Apartments, and, of course, Fiesta Boricua. They also met with José E. López, the Executive Director of The PRCC, toured Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School and met with principal, Dr. Melissa Claudio-Lewis, and had formal meetings and informal chats with numerous community leaders, elected officials, educators, and artists from Chicago and Puerto Rico. Below are some excerpts from reflections they prepared on their experience:
The PRCC:
“The Puerto Rican Cultural Center is amazingly vibrant and active. The dedication and passion of the staff were evident in every interaction; everyone is warm, welcoming, and we can really sense their love for the community.”
Similarities between Puerto Rico and Taiwan:
“We learned about the striking similarity of Puerto Rico and Taiwan in terms of our histories. Both Puerto Rico and Taiwan have endured tumultuous pasts, marked by colonization and political struggles. The fight for self-determination and autonomy resonates strongly in both communities, forging a unique bond that transcends geographic boundaries. However, in Taiwan, few people are aware of the situation of Puerto Rico. Therefore, we wish to engage in collaboration with The Puerto Rican Cultural Center and their youth to bring the international perspective into Taiwan.”
The role of education in the community:
“One aspect that particularly resonated with us, as educators who work in the university, was the Center’s commitment to educational empowerment. The availability of programs aimed at supporting and empowering the youth through the center and the two local high schools showcased a dedication to achieving equity and social mobility.”
Thank you!
Special thanks and our warmest regards to José E. López, Clarisa López, Dr. Melissa Lewis, Dr. Margaret Power, and all the wonderful folks at Paseo Boricua for hosting us. We hope to see you in Taiwan, too!
