CSU Pueblo Celebrates Diversity with "We Are Pueblo" Storytelling Event

PUEBLO, COLO–  Colorado State University Pueblo is set to host "We Are Pueblo," a storytelling event celebrating the city of Pueblo's Hispanic community and its connections to the university. The event, scheduled for Oct. 10 will feature personal narratives from community members and CSU Pueblo staff, including Chris Beltran, Director of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives.

Beltran, whose role involves overseeing $42 million in federal grants aimed at supporting low-income Latino students, will share his family's journey to Pueblo. His story centers around the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation (CF&I), symbolized by a tattoo on his forearm.

"CF&I brought a sense of prosperity to Pueblo by recruiting workers from Mexico, including my family," Beltran explains. "It created neighborhoods, provided mortgages, and unexpectedly paved the way for future generations to attend college."

The event promises a multifaceted celebration of Hispanic culture, featuring:

• Personal stories from community members and CSU Pueblo staff
• Performances by CSU Pueblo Ballet Folklorico
• Michoacan Community Member Dancers
• Display of lowrider vehicles, representing a unique aspect of Chicano culture

"We Are Pueblo" aims to highlight the diverse experiences that have shaped Pueblo's community and CSU Pueblo's identity as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact iskra.merinomartinez@csupueblo.edu.