On September 30, La Casa Cultural welcomed renowned journalist Alana Casanova–Burgess to give the keynote address for Latine Heritage Month at Yale. Known for her bilingual podcast “La Brega,” which dives deep into the vibrant Puerto Rican culture and its contemporary issues, Casanova–Burgess shared her remarkable journey in journalism alongside the community audience. This engaging event, which transformed into a casual gathering, was co-organized by La Casa Cultural and the Puerto Rican Student Association, Despierta Boricua, and sponsored by the Poynter Fellowship.
The atmosphere in Luce Hall buzzed as students and locals rearranged furniture to create an intimate space filled with energy. Casanova–Burgess emphasized the collaborative nature of her work, often shifting audience questions back to the crowd, creating a more interactive and responsive dialogue rather than a formal lecture. She acknowledged the shared experiences and insights that made the gathering feel more like a conversation among friends.
Discussing her podcast’s future, Casanova–Burgess expressed excitement about potential new themes, signaling her commitment to community engagement. During her talk, audience members contributed ideas ranging from student activism history to discussions on citizenship, demonstrating a collective eagerness to address pressing topics. With a chuckle, Casanova–Burgess mused, “Sounds like we got a season.”
Drawing from her background in live and public radio, she stressed the importance of building relationships through her podcast, stating that while “La Brega” is journalism, it also involves deep consideration of how people will engage with the stories shared. This focus on connection underlines her innovative approach to production, contrasting with the more detached nature of print media.
Casanova–Burgess highlighted the global impact of “La Brega,” sharing stories of listeners from various corners of the world, affirming the essential role of the diaspora in discussing global issues. She described her podcast as an “exercise in solidarity,” fostering conversations grounded in mutual understanding amid diverse narratives.
Jaden Gonzalez, co-chair of Despierta Boricua, embraced the positive energy in the room, describing it as empowering and passionate, inviting more members of the Puerto Rican and broader Latine community to engage with the organization. Amanda Rivera, a researcher on Puerto Rican activism, praised Casanova-Burgess’ storytelling, celebrating her ability to encompass the full spectrum of experiences within the community.
Listeners can tune into “La Brega” on platforms such as WYNC, NPR, and Apple Podcasts, continuing the conversation beyond the event and engaging listeners around the world with each episode.
On September 30, journalist Alana Casanova–Burgess spoke at Yale’s La Casa Cultural for Latine Heritage Month, discussing her podcast “La Brega” and engaging closely with the audience. The event, co-organized with Despierta Boricua and supported by the Poynter Fellowship, fostered an interactive environment where participants shared their ideas and experiences. The discussion highlighted the importance of community in journalism.
Casanova–Burgess’s visit to Yale epitomized the essence of a community gathering aimed at fostering understanding through shared experiences in journalism. Her ability to redirect the focus back to the audience promoted an inclusive dialogue, contributing to a vibrant cultural exchange. As “La Brega” continues to resonate globally, the event demonstrated the power of storytelling in uniting diverse voices and experiences.
Alana Casanova–Burgess is an established journalist known for her impactful work through the bilingual podcast “La Brega,” which centers on Puerto Rican culture and issues, informed by her experiences and interactions within the community. The gathering at La Casa Cultural signifies the celebration of Latine Heritage Month, showcasing a blend of storytelling, discussion, and community engagement.
Original Source: yaledailynews.com
