Presented by the D-E student club INSPIRE (Introducing New Solutions to Promote Integrity & Respect Everywhere), the 2016 Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly for both the Middle and Upper Schools was held on Oct. 6, 2016, in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

INSPIRE leaders Arlene Mendez ’17, Britney Burns ’18, Jalen Watson ’18, and Isaiah Pean ’17, opened the assembly by each sharing brief information about National Hispanic Heritage Month. The officials ended their speech by encouraging D-E students to learn and celebrate the Hispanic (Spanish-speaking immigrants) and Latino (immigrants from South America) culture during the time of National Hispanic Heritage Month which is from September 15 to October 15.

 

Arlene Mendez ’17 introduced the guest of the honor, Puerto Rican-born and now Bronx-based hip-hop artist, educator, and filmmaker - Intikana. Intikana performed three songs with music videos and a few of "bars" - lyrical hip-hop raps.

 

With each performance, Intikana shared his story behind the making of the music. Intikana spoke of his personal experience of growing up in the Bronx as a Puerto Rican-American, losing someone important in his life as he grew up, the experience of being abused by law enforcement for documenting an arrest, and how studying his own heritage has helped him to truly understand himself, which enabled him to pursue a meaningful dream for his future and advanced his understanding of others.

 

The assembly closed with a Q&A with Intikana. D-E students were encouraged and responded strongly to Intikana's calling of knowing our own heritage to strengthen our foundation to truly embrace diversity and making the world better place.

 

More information about Intikana can be found at http://intikana.net/index.shtml.