At Suffolk University, the new club Brazil Beyond Borders aims to celebrate and share Brazilian culture, amplify Brazilian voices and invite inspiring speakers for students to hear from.
This is the first year students will have the option to participate in the club. Founder Stephanie Lima said she wants students to “have a safe space for all to join and feel welcome to learn and participate in Brazilian culture.”
After founding the club, Lima had high praise for her E-board and the support they gave her during the process.
“This group has a strong foundation of support and trust,” she said.
Incoming students may have heard of the club at orientation. As an Orientation Leader, Lima was able to spread the word about the club.
The club had a successful first meeting Oct. 5, said Lima, and gave students the opportunity to try different Brazilian food and drinks.
In future meetings, the club hopes to invite Brazilian speakers to share their experiences living in the community and how they connected to their culture. Brazil Beyond Borders also aims to provide students the opportunity to celebrate Brazilian holidays like Festa Junina and Brazilian Carnival. They also plan to establish connections with other student-led cultural groups to grow and strengthen connections within the Suffolk community.
Lima is also looking to collaborate with Brazilian organizations at other universities to form more connections.
Many students may not be born in the country that celebrates their culture. According to Lima, being in a predominantly white institution, it is important to have the opportunity to learn and participate in different cultures.
“Clubs serve as a way to connect to that identity,” Lima said.
Club member Lauren Faltz echoed Lima’s statement, calling on the experiences being a member has given her already.
“I don’t usually have a lot of opportunities to engage in the Brazilian community, so being a part of the club gives me a chance to be around the culture,” Faltz said. “I’ve made some Brazilian friends, that’s the best part for me.”
This club is an amazing opportunity for anyone to participate in Brazilian culture no matter your background. The club meets bi-weekly on Thursdays in Sawyer 927.
