La Eracra
La Eracra is one of three cultural houses on Trinity's campus. La Eracra, held in trust by La Voz Latina (LVL), a Latinx student organization, aims to raise awareness about Latinx culture, history, politics, and social issues.
La Eracra is located at 69 Vernon Street and has been home to La Voz Latina since 1999. The creation of the house was part of an initiative by the College to expand the social corridor on Vernon Street for minority groups on campus who historically have been marginalized. La Eracra means “the house” in the Taíno language and serves as a reminder for the students on campus that the house's purpose is to be a home for cross-cultural dialogue.
La Eracra is open to all students for a variety of purposes. The house is used by many student groups, such as P.R.I.D.E. and the first-year mentoring program, as an event venue and meeting place. The house also has a library that can be used for academic purposes or as a social gathering place. Through its many initiatives, La Eracra has had a significant impact on the lives of students at Trinity. In “Café con Leche” programs, Latinx community members and professors discuss events, issues, and topics that are currently affecting the Latinx communities. Another event, “SALSARENGUE!” is an annual celebration of Latin heritage and encourages the College community to come together to enjoy live performances, dancing, music, and food.
The house also has an ongoing dedication to strengthening its relationship with the Hartford community. Event flyers are often posted in high-traffic places in Hartford, such as the El Mercado Marketplace on Park Street and the Hartford Public Library’s downtown and Park Street branches, as well as the BiCi Co. Community Bike Shop, a program of the Center for Latino Progress. This type of outreach is a way of showing the community that the public is welcome to Trinity's campus.
Sources
La Eracra: A Space for Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Trinity Tripod, 09/26/2000.
Trinity Tripod, 10/06/1998.