Collegiate Times

In a lecture given in Spanish last night, Latin American youth - especially those who study in the United States - have a responsibility to contribute their knowledge to their culture, said Nestor Murray-Irizzary, professor of the Department of Liberal Arts at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. Murray-Irizzary delivered a presentation Thursday in Hillcrest Hall called ?Non-Thinking Latin America.?

The presentation examined cultural, political and global factors that have affected Latin America's history. Latin Americans need to look at their needs and problems in order to find their own historic identity, Murray-Irizarry said.

Young generations should reaffirm their pride of being Latin American and their love for their countries of origin, he said.

Latin American youth have two choices, to stay in the United States or return to their country of origin after graduation, Murray-Irizarry said. However, the youth cannot continue on the path of living in limbo.

The presentation was part of the Latin Link speaker series co-sponsored by the Latin American and Iberian Graduate Student Association and the Latino Association of Student Organizations.

Murray-Irizarry is founder and executive director of the Puerto Rico Center for Folkloric Research. He has also published several books including Rafeal R?os Rey and the Muralism in Puerto Rico.