The Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) at Fresno State serves as a vital bridge connecting the Portuguese-American experience to the larger multicultural tapestry of California. Its crowdfunding project is a crucial initiative to support the preservation and dissemination of the rich heritage of Portuguese-American communities. Through the oral history collection and accompanying documentaries, the institute captures stories that might otherwise be lost to time, ensuring future generations can access a deeper understanding of their cultural identity. These projects honor the past and create a foundation for inclusivity, showing how the Portuguese-American narrative enriches California’s diverse society.
Central to PBBI’s mission are its lecture and conference series, student exchange programs, and Bruma publications, among other projects. These initiatives cultivate dialogue and scholarship, fostering a space where Portuguese-American culture can thrive while engaging with broader global and multicultural perspectives. Platforms like Novidades and Filamentos provide essential outlets for storytelling, creativity, and intellectual exploration, offering a stage for diverse voices to share their experiences and insights. By supporting these efforts, the crowdfunding project helps ensure the continuity of these vital platforms, empowering both the Fresno State community and the Portuguese-American diaspora in California.
The Cátedra Natália Correia exemplifies the Institute’s commitment to promoting cultural and academic excellence. By focusing on one of Portugal’s most celebrated literary figures, this program bridges the artistic traditions of the Azores and Portuguese America with the academic community at Fresno State. The funding will also enhance student exchange programs, providing transformative opportunities for Fresno State students to connect with the Portuguese-speaking world, broadening their horizons and preparing them to engage meaningfully with an interconnected global society.
Ultimately, this crowdfunding project is about more than sustaining programs; it is about affirming the importance of cultural heritage in shaping a cohesive and inclusive society. By registering and amplifying the stories of Portuguese-American communities, PBBI is actively creating narratives that celebrate diversity and contribute to California’s multicultural identity. This support not only enriches the academic and cultural fabric of Fresno State but also offers students and the broader community opportunities to learn, grow, and connect through the shared values of heritage and human connection.
We hope all of you can contribute. We aim to reach nearly 20 thousand dollars by the end of November. Here is the link:
Novidades - The Islands and the Diaspora 