Students will have the opportunity to discuss the new Alabama immigration bill, the April 27 tornado and how both of these events have affected the Hispanic and Latino community with other community members Thursday evening.

Crossroads Community Center’s monthly Community Conversation event, which will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Crossroads Lounge, Room 232 in the Ferguson Center, is focusing on these topics in light of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Brice Miller, assistant director of Crossroads, said the topics are important for everyone to consider.

“The people who are helping clean up our city are the exact same people being targeted,” Miller said. “What are we to turn blind to? I don’t remember too many law enforcement officials standing on front lawns carding people doing roofing jobs after the tornado, yet these people are the ones being pulled over.”

Beverly Hawk, director of Crossroads, said Community Conversations is about being able to speak openly about issues such as these with a diverse group of people.

“We all experienced that day together,” Hawk said. “Community Conversations is the opportunity to be heard, and to give the gift of listening to your neighbors.”

Oniska Blevins, Crossroads’ intern, said the dialogue would give students the opportunity to actively fight cultural stereotypes.

“When you learn about different people and different stereotypes, you fight stereotypes,” Blevins said. “Stereotypes and negative stigmas come from fear of the unknown. Branching out and learning allows you to not only appreciate these cultures, but also to change your perspective.”

Miller said this unique opportunity to learn is what makes Community Conversations so powerful.

“This is an opportunity for the whole person to be educated,” Miller said. “When you go into Biology 101, you know what you’re getting. But in situations like this, when you learn from things you didn’t think you would, you learn the most.”

Hawk said this deep learning is what brings communities together.

“Community Conversations hosts conversations that build community, the conversations that come from the heart,” Hawk said. “It can be tempting to avoid these conversations sometimes but we never do here. We have those deep, rich conversations that build community.”

Miller asked that students come into these deep conversations with an open mind.

“Come with a blank slate,” Miller said. That can be one of the most beautiful aspects of learning.”

Miller also said that students should recognize the power they hold.

“I want students to understand their voice, and the power of their voice in the context of social justice and social change,” Miller said. “Understand we’re all a part of the larger community.”

Blevins agreed many students have untapped power.

“Accepting diversity can change the world,” Blevins said.

All students, faculty and community members are invited to attend. Free refreshments will be served.

If You Go:

What: Crossroads Community Conversations

Where: Room 232 in the Ferguson Center

When: Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.