Democracy took center stage during a Constitution Day Celebration held at Lone Star College-East Aldine Center.
On Saturday, September 14th, families gathered to celebrate the founding of our nation and many watched in tears as their loved ones took an oath to officially become Americans.
“Today we celebrate the constitution, we celebrate those who become U.S. citizens. We’re proud they want to be incorporated into the fabric of American society,” said State Representative Armando Walle.
The non-profit group Bonding Against Adversity partnered with LSC-East Aldine to host the “We the People Celebration.” The organization assists legal residents with obtaining their citizenships, at no charge.
The event kicked off with a car parade, after which visitors were welcomed into the East Aldine Center to enjoy live music, food, and Mexican folk dance. A few members of the community who were assisted by Bonding Against Adversity were also given the floor to speak about their experiences and share their journeys in becoming American citizens.
A panel of speakers including LSC-Kingwood President Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, State Representative Walle, East Aldine Center Dean Reyna Tippetts, and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia all spoke regarding various immigration issues.
Dr. Gonzalez thanked the organizers for all their hard work to make the event a success.
“We had a wonderful celebration honoring the foundation of our nation’s democracy. It was a fantastic event filled with wonderful discussions and activities, bringing together our community to reflect on the importance of the Constitution in shaping our rights and freedoms.”
There was also an opportunity for guests to register to vote.
“It served as a great reminder that voting is crucial because it is the primary way citizens influence their government and shape public policy,” said Tippetts. “By voting, you contribute to the democratic process, help elect representatives who align with your values, and hold leaders accountable. It's a fundamental right and responsibility that empowers individuals to impact their community and country.”
Judy Van Norman, Bonding Against Adversity board member, also stressed the importance of new citizens getting involved in their communities and voting.
“Every citizen, whether new or from birth, should look at voting as a privilege and look at it as their duty as a citizen of the U.S. because that’s what this country was built on.”
To check your voter registration or to register to vote, visit https://vote.gov/. In addition, in the state of Texas you must be registered 30 days prior to Election Day.
To see pictures from the “We the People Celebration” click here.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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