NOVIDADES

A Newsletter Published By

Five Years and Beyond…

We believe that the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) at Fresno State has been pivotal in promoting Portuguese culture, heritage, and education in Central California. Since its establishment in February 2018, PBBI has become a cornerstone of Portuguese at Fresno State, fostering the teaching of the Portuguese language and Culture, academic research, exchanges with students and faculty with the University of the Azores, literary and historical publications, conferences, panels discussions, oral history collection, and community engagement.

The Portuguese community in Central California, immigrants, and their descendants from the islands of the Azores has a rich history dating back to the latter part of the nineteenth century when immigrants from Portugal and the Azores arrived in search of better opportunities. Over the decades, this community has grown and flourished, contributing to the regions cultural diversity and economic development. However, the need to preserve Portuguese heritage and support academic endeavors related to Portuguese studies became increasingly evident. The Community needed a hub to preserve its history and create its narratives.

Fresno State established the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute in 2019 to respond to these needs. The institute was founded to promote global research, education, and outreach focused on the Azorean Diaspora and Portuguese experiences in Central California. Since its inception, PBBI has tried its best to advance these objectives through various programs and initiatives.

PBBI has been a driving force in building a holistic program encompassing the realities of the Diaspora in the California multicultural landscape. PBBI has facilitated collaborations between scholars, students, and community members, producing valuable conferences, presentations, documentaries, and informational and cultural platforms that bring the community together, as it reflects on what has been done and what needs to be done. These efforts have helped deepen our understanding of Portuguese history, culture, language, and contributions to society, benefiting academia and the wider community.

One of PBBIs core missions is to promote cultural exchange between Portugal, the Azores, Madeira, and Central California. Through partnerships with cultural institutions, universities, and community organizations, PBBI has organized cultural events, conferences, lectures, and performances that showcase the richness and diversity of Portuguese heritage. These initiatives have fostered cross-cultural dialogue, appreciation, and understanding among people of different backgrounds.

PBBI has actively engaged with the Portuguese community in Central California, offering events in the northern and southern San Joaquin Valley. Through our Oral History Program and our news and cultural platforms (Novidades and Filamentos), Bruma Publications, High School Student days, poetry sessions, literary events, and many others, we believe that PBBI has provided valuable opportunities for community members to connect with their roots, preserve traditions, and pass on cultural knowledge to future generations.

The future is promising for PBBI-Fresno State if we continue to have community engagement and support. We must create more opportunities for our students, faculty, and the community. As PBBI continues its mission, we will work tirelessly to remain a beacon of Portuguese identity and a bridge connecting communities across borders.Thank you all for being so supportive! In this Edition of NOVIDADES we willshowcase some of our work and our various segments that bring together this Institute and our Diaspora in this great state.

Diniz Borges, Founding Director

Director’s Message oral history farming delegation shared seas untold stories

PBBI events summary