Actualizing Potentials of Latinx Youth in the US: Voting Power, Culturally Relevant Pedagogies, and José Martí/Latino Scholars’ Sabiduría

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

With the increased numbers of immigrant youth from Mexico and Latin American countries, borderland schools are experiencing a rise in multicultural diversity. Unfortunately, many Latinx students are not offered equitable educational opportunities. This panel presentation will discuss empowerment of Latinx students with critical pedagogies based in the works of Latin-American scholars such as Jose Marti, Paulo Freire, and Gloria Anzaldua; how to utilize culturally responsive pedagogies to promote socio-emotional development and academic achievement for Latinx students; and offer an analysis of why Ethnic Studies programs are critical for public schools to achieve social justice for Latinx youth under House Bill 2281. Our panel is comprised of diverse scholars most working in the US/ Mexico borderland city of El Paso, Texas and will offer participants an interactive and dynamic presentation into how educators can achieve social justice for Latinx students.

Sub Track

• Education, Citizenship, and Inclusion

Session Organizer

• Elva Reza-Lopez, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

Chair

• Elena Izquierdo, The University of Texas at El Paso

Discussant

• Felipe de Jesús Pérez Cruz, Centro de Estudios Educacionales. Universidad de Ciencias Pedagógicas "Enrique José Varona"

Individual Presentations

• Awakening the Sleeping Giant U.S. Latin@ Voting Power to counter the “Browning of America”—White Fear with Ethnic Studies antivenom medicine - Cesar Rossatto; Richard Varela

• Emerging Emotions: Culturally Responsive Pedagogy to Increase Academic Performance for Latinx Students - Christopher Kazanjian, Independent Scholar

• Nuestra América: The Need of Jose Marti’s “Justice and Inclusion” in US Trump’s Fascist-Neoliberalist Era - Elva Reza-Lopez, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)