Colloquium Focuses on Immigration and Nearby Community

Two speakers will address issues in immigration at the Global Issues Colloquium April 28. From 7-9 p.m., in Violette Hall 1000, guest lecturers Valentina Mensa and Steven Jeanetta will discuss the integration of the Hispanic population in Milan, Mo., a town 30 miles west of Kirksville.

Fifty percent of Milan’s 2,000 residents are Hispanic. The Mexican population exploded following the 1992, opening of a meat processing plant.

To manage the influx of non-English speaking immigrants, Mensa founded El Centro Latino in Milan to help Hispanic families, especially newcomers, adjust to the community.

At the colloquium, Mensa will talk about her work with the immigrants and the function of the center as source of information and support.

Jeanetta will share insights into community development, an area in which he has much experience. Jeanetta recently organized the “Cambio de Colores,” an annual conference that focuses on issues related to the current Latino immigration to the Midwest, and particularly, Missouri.