FLINT, Michigan — The Latinx Technology & Community Center’s glory stands tall on Flint’s east side. Cultural art on the inside and outside of the building showcases a boisterous sense of Latin pride. Giant trees with yesterday’s rain still on the leaves surround the greenhouse, offering shade and a refreshing coolness after gardening in this summer heat. You may often drive past it and not notice. That is the beauty of being on the ground.

Touring the building, you’ll see that every space, at least on the lower level, is designated for education and embedded learning. If you’re driving between Lewis Street and East Hamilton Ave., you may see people in neon vests coming from or going to Latinx’s greenhouse.

The Latinx Center, located at 2101 Lewis St., has been vital to the community for over two decades. It is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering various services and programs.

Three representatives of the Latinx community, including its Executive Director, Asa Ascencio-Zuccaro, Advancement Coordinator Lauren Coney, and Program Coordinator Devianise Padilla, revealed the center’s heart and soul. A two-hour conversation ignited topics like Latinx history, its impact on its community, upcoming events and programs, and ways to help the organization expand.

They aim to make Flint and Genesee County a better home for everyone by providing interpretation and translation services, celebrating, educating, and advocating for the Latinx community. The center’s greenhouse produces vital ingredients in popular Hispanic dishes such as peppers, cilantro, and tomatoes.

Pictured on July 15, 2024, the Latinx Technology & Community Center is a pillar of Latin pride on Flint's east side. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)
The Latinx Center provides language services for those interested in learning English and Spanish as a second language, catering to youth and adults. Additionally, Latinx offers a free summer program and a leadership academy for youth, providing valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. It is important to note that these programs are not exclusive to the Latin community. They currently serve diverse students, reflecting inclusivity in their teams and programs.

“I think right now we see the diversity growing and growing and growing every time. We saw participants of the ESL courses and Spanish courses, [consist of] firemen wanting to be involved [by learning] the Spanish language so they can better assist Spanish-speaking individuals during an emergency,” said Devianise.

The Latinx Technology & Community Center significantly promoted cultural inclusivity by partnering with the Sloan Museum. This collaboration involved translating materials to Spanish and making the Hispanic community feel included and accommodated. The center received over a hundred passes to distribute to visitors, further enhancing the cultural experience.

“I believe that a good leader creates more leaders or teaches people about leadership and equips them with the skills to lead,” said Asa Ascencio-Zuccaro.

Class is in session at the Latinx Technology & Community Center, pictured on July 15, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)
He then shared a powerful story about a former youth leader who posed the same question to their students. While pointing out influential individuals and polling the class shortly after, he captivated Asa with these words: “A good leader is someone who represents and amplifies the voice of the people, but it’s not easy. You also need to be efficient and capable of getting things done.”

When asked to define a good leader, Lauren remarked, “To me, a true leader is helpful, open to other people’s opinions, and collaborative. They have an open-door policy. That’s why I think Asa is a great leader. I admire how he engages with everyone. I believe that someone at the top, who is open to others’ opinions and listens to what’s needed to help this organization grow, embodies a true leader.”

Lauren is leading a fundraiser to cover the cost of bus transportation for chaperones and leadership academy teens for an upcoming college trip. Asa emphasized the financial challenge of getting the teens to the college campus, even though there are partners who will assist with their expenses while there.

“That’s one of our favorite things to do is addressing language and culture barriers,” says Asa on July 15, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com) He also acknowledged that college might only be the path for some, but believes the trip would help broaden their horizons and show them the possibilities of attending college.

Currently, the Latinx Center is actively preparing for its highly anticipated Halloween event which is expected to attract 3,000 attendees. Asa vocalized the community’s aspiration to provide families with a dignified and blessed Halloween experience.

The upcoming Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a deeply meaningful celebration devoted to honoring departed loved ones. In preparation for the event, the community is carefully tending to the transplantation of sprouted cempasúchil (Marigolds) to the greenhouse as these flowers hold great significance for the occasion.

The Dia de los Muertos celebration is scheduled for early November, typically on the first or second of the month, and will be hosted at the esteemed Flint Institute of Arts.

Follow the Latinx Center on Facebook for the latest updates. If you’re interested in enrolling yourself or a loved one in one of their programs, don’t hesitate to contact them. Donations to support the center’s efforts are encouraged. Those interested in contributing or getting more information can email Lauren. For general information, call 810-715-5050, an email, or their website.