Dora Serna is currently working at the Multicultural center teaching English to newcomers. Here she is in the center with her children.

Ten years ago during the month of July,  Dora Serna and her husband moved from Bogota, Columbia to Dubuque, Iowa for one reason. ”My husband had a good offer for a new job,” says Serna.

And after the couple settled in America, they soon started their family.  Her son Aljendrao and daughter Daniella were born here in Dubuque, but life as a “Dubuquer” was a bit difficult for Dora to adjust to.

“We had to learn everything again. You don’t know how difficult it is when you don’t have the language to try and communicate.  Sometimes the people weren’t really friendly but now I can go out and talk with the people in both languages,” explain Serna.

With her language experience in mind, Dora is now helping the newcomers in Dubuque who don’t know the English language.

“Ten years ago Dubuque it wasn’t diversified, but now you can find people from 10-12 countries with different cultures, and different languages,” says Serna.

She’s right.  According to the US Census Bureau in 1990 to 2000 Dubuque country saw a tremendous growth of racial diversity.  In fact, during the ten year time from the number of Hispanic or Latino citizens in Dubuque doubled and the number is expected to continue to grow.

“Everyone in the community seemed to be saying was that they needed a community center for people diverse people can get together in a group and it can be a safe place for everyone to talk about their differences and work together,” says Multicultural Center Maddy Cairney.

As the diversity in Dubuque continues to grow, places like the Multicurtal Center are needed to help new residents adapt to their new home and a new way of life.  But regardless of the help available, minority groups feel they are labeled because of their racial differences.

“Many many occasions people call me Mexican, sometimes stupid Mexican,” says Serna.

And Dora isn’t the only one hearing comments like these.  Maddy has seen it both in and out of the center and believes it needs to stop.

“If there is any inappropriate behavior or racial slurs or another stereotypes being thrown around then it needs to be addressed immediately and people need to know it’s not ok to talk like that,” explains Cairney.

“We never ask.  When the people have the opportunity to ask me and I have the opportunity to talk about my country my culture then people feel more comfortable.  We never say could you please tell me about you your country your customs, it’s the best way to learn,” explains Serna.

A way to learn and a way for minorities to be seen as individuals, each with their own uniqueness.

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Addressing Diversity: Part 1 and Addressing Diversity: Part 3