Lowriders are a rich part of Chicano/Latinx culture, and on April 11, Citrus College was able to celebrate it.
The Lowrider Culture and Community Show, which took place in the Campus Center Mall, had music accompaniment by Citrus’ Night Shift, free food and library resources were offered.
Songs by Chicano singer Ritchie Valens, otherwise known as Richard Valenzuela, were sung during this event as well as other modern pop and classic tunes.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the coordination and dedication of Priscilla Englert, an instructor for Citrus’ Automotive Technology program and Toyota T-TEN coordinator.
“It brings communities together to embrace Chicano/Latinx culture and there is something for everybody,” Englert said.
This event included many activity options. Mexican food provided, and the Hayden Memorial Library offered resources that feature Chicano/Latinx stories.
“I would love to see more people involved as far as community members bringing out their cars, but honestly it’s a fabulous turnout for, you know for the short amount of time that we had to prep it and next time it’ll be bigger,” Englert said.
Multiple members from the lowrider community displayed their cars at the event.
“It’s a passion, you do what you can as you can…get out there and drive it,” Jose Dominguez, an exhibitor, said.
Billy Gomez, another exhibitor at the event, said lowriders are something that allows others to learn about different cultures.
“I think everyone should have somewhat different knowledge of different cultures,” Gomez said. “Doesn’t matter whether it’s Latino culture, whether it’s Asian culture. … Everyone should have a little peek into everyone’s culture.”
Citrus students were able to experience Chicano/Latinx culture through this event.
“I was coming out of class and I just saw some cars outside and I was like, ‘Oh I really like cars,’” Lesley Poblete, a Citrus student, said. “… So it was just really like a fun coincidence. Yeah especially since I just came out of taking my midterm last class.”
Other students, like Poblete, joined in on this event between classes. Students from the automotive technology program shared their program with the rest of the community.
“It helps introduce, like, Chicano culture to other students and also to support the automotive program,” Angel Olivera, an automotive technology student, said.
