By Taylor Paraboschi
Mayor of Hempstead Village Wayne Hall held a press conference yesterday condemning the recent acts of violence spurred by the brutal slaying of an Ecuadorian man in Patchogue on Nov. 8. Hall, along with leaders from both the African-American and the Hispanic communities, stood united at the press conference as Hall spoke about the recent events.
"This type of behavior will not be tolerated," he said. Asked to comment on the recent attacks, Hall said the attack brought everyone back to reality. "It's sad to see. We were united with the election of Barack Obama, it was a step forward. Now with the recent attack, the euphoria has worn off and we have taken two steps back. We have been brought back to reality."
On the night of Nov. 8, seven caucasian teenagers drove through Patchogue, in Suffolk with only the intention of attacking a Latino, Det. Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick told Newsday. The seven teens brutally attacked Marcello Lucero, 37, and his friend Elder Fernandez around midnight that Saturday, an attack that ended with Fernandez barely escaping and Lucero being stabbed to death.
"What's going on in these communities to make them feel that this is okay?" senior Jovany Lazo said. Lazo adds that racism is largely swept under the rug, especially on Long Island. Junior Jessica Robles, president of the Hermanadad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc. echoed Lazo's feelings on the racism on Long Island. "I never witnessed so much hatred for the Latino community until I moved to Long Island."
Robles adds that while she personally has always felt safe on campus, there have been instances where racism has been apparent. "I was at the May Day Protest and a few students ripped the flyers out of my hands shouting, 'go back to where you came from.' It was like a slap in the face."
Roseanne Regueiro, president of the group HOLA accredited stereotypes and negative publicity for the hatred of Latinos. "Hate crimes happen to everyone," she said. "The biggest problems that Latinos face are the negative publicity and stereotypes that we are given. All people here about are how Latinos are taking jobs and immigrating here illegally. No one hears about the good things Latinos are doing as a community."
Cultural education was stressed among the different cultural groups as a way to alleviate racial violence and tensions. "It would help if people weren't so ignorant to the point of, I don't know and I don't want to know," said sophomore Kasheen Bailey. "Try to make people more open, educated on different communities and cultures," said Hermanadad. She encouraged different types of people to learn about the different groups and cultures. "I think that people should put stereotypes aside and do joint events with other groups. Give people a chance."
Junior Alexia Regman agreed that programs would help deflate the racial hatred. "Do programs...flip it and put people in other groups shoes to see how it feels. If it is not directed at them, they dont understand."
Sean Hutchinson, president of the University's chapter of the NAACP said, "We need to be consistent in legal passes."
"Make sure that people understand that we wont stand for this type of treatment in our communities." Hutchinson added that all cultural groups will have to work together to eliminate racial hatred. "A joint effort between all of the groups. We need to be less tolerant for violence."
Regueiro added that "You have to be strong, don't turn to the streets, see the light and keep evolving. Once we get up to higher levels people will see what we can do."