African Americans and Hispanics have always had a passion for life, unity and progress. Part of it is due to their ancestry. The African slaves who were brought to the Americas had to rely on each other so they could remember the beliefs that the learned in Africa. Because of this they developed a sense of family and a series of traditions which are still present in African American and Hispanic individuals. If we could integrate culturally both communities we could be able to distinguish, not only their differences but, most importantly, their similarities. Similarities that will bring them together and differences that will help them understand each other.The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are known as a bridge between the African American community and college education. Its goal has been to help develop the political, economical and social aspects of young adults of the black race. Hispanics, as well as African Americans, have always instilled a need for an education into their children because they want them to be somebody and accomplish something in life. As the Hispanic population grows so do the amount of minority students who plan on getting a degree in a university. With the help of the HBCU many Hispanics could have the opportunity to change their life. Through the development of a program which will introduce the Hispanics to the world of HBCU the students will learn what the HBCU has done for African Americans and other minority students. Also with the creation of a volunteer program in which the student participates in both communities the bonds can be strengthened.The African Americans and Hispanics feel enthusiastic whenever there is food, music and sports. The similarities between the ways they cook are noticeable. By creating a cook off the communities will want to compete in a friendly manner and learn about each other’s cooking. Their music is extremely similar. The use of percussion and trumpets is common in the blues, salsa, soul, merengue, jazz and cumbia. In a contest in which the participants can mix the different music genres and create a song which explains the life in their community both communities will get to know each other better. And, also, by developing an intramural tournament in which the communities will not have a team representing each community but the teams will consist of members of both communities. This will help them to rely on each other and the use of the word teammate. These activities could help in the integration of these communities and their comprehension.Due to the fact that both communities are minorities all the economical, cultural, communication and community decisions that the government makes about the minorities affect both communities. There are different organizations which defend the minorities’ rights but if both communities don’t get together and fight for their rights together there will be very little progress. If there is a cut in the budget for the minorities the ones who will be affected will be the minorities. The cultural integration must be done by the individuals who compose the minority not by external sources because anyone who isn’t in the minority does not see the effects like they should be seen. Every single decision that affects the minorities affects each one of the components of the minorities therefore both communities must unite to obtain what the communities need.Many things can be done to help the African American and Hispanic communities but if they don’t want to help each other or don’t feel the need to it will all be in vain. But what these communities need to have in mind is that though they are different they share many other qualities which can strengthen their bonds. With the help of the HBCU and volunteers both communities can be united and they could assist each other.
