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Jean-Marc Sorhondo
January 31, 2007
Basque Cultural Center Essay
How has the Basque Cultural Center enriched by life? What needs to
happen to
ensure that the BCC continues going strong for the next 25 years?
The Basque Center has enriched my life by acting as a central location
where I can interact and take part in Basque events and share my unique
cultural heritage with other fellow Basques. I believe the Kantxa is a
very important aspect of the center because it is what differentiates it
from any other cultural gathering place that has a restaurant with a
large social hall. There are numerous such sites through out the Bay
Area such as the Irish Cultural Center and the Italian Athletic Club,
however none of these sites include any facilities that promote
activities that are distinctly related to their culture. Although the
Kantxa activities are largely sports related, it is also a gathering
place for entertainment activities. It hosts such events as handball
games and musical performances with Shistera players from Europe and
Mexico. The Kantxa also lends itself for the big dinners such as the
Anniversary parties. When not in use for various cultural activities,
it’s a place that one can come and play Pala. While I was growing up I
played and still do play basketball, but Pala has become a recent
passion of mine. It is a thrilling game which I have come to appreciate
and have been able to introduce my American friends as well. It is a
uniquely Basque game and I feel privileged to introduce others to the
game.
The Center has been a home away from home for many. I say this not
because I am there all the time, but when I am there I feel at home. The
second I walk through the only open door on the right, I know I will be
greeted by countless people who I know or know my parents. It is a
unique bond we share and the Center allows a forum in which to share our
special connection. Without the Center I probably would not see 75% of
the people I do, at least not as often. It makes me happy to see my
grandparents interact with their friends playing mus and engaging in
conversation over a couple Ricard’s.
I have so many fond memories of events that have taken place at the
center. One that is particularly special for me is the day they honored
my grandmother, Amelie Sorhondo. She was a pivotal figure in the Basque
community and operated the then equivalent of the Basque Cultural Center
out of her boarding house the Pyrennes Hotel. Often times, one expresses
what a person meant to someone when they pass away. It was a special day
since she was able to hear all of the great things from her “sons and
daughters” while she was still with us. This day highlighted the respect
and appreciation that Basques have for one another. While many were not
blood relatives, everyone was related that day. It is a special feature
of our culture that allows us to extend our family beyond bloodlines. I
do not know if this would have been possible if the Center did not
exist, but I do know that it meant so much to my grandmother and my
family.
And last but not least the Center has not only enriched my life but it
has also enriched my appetite. Besides all of the great Basque cuisine
offered, my favorite food, rack of lamb, is brought to new culinary
heights at the Center, especially on the Anniversary events. I
especially thank you for that!
I am particularly touched when I see my little sister Marielle going to
Basque school every Saturday. Such a class is a very integral and
pivotal part of continuing the legacy and following at the Basque
Cultural Center. It is important to keep the youth involved and active
with different events. I didn’t have this option as a kid. The most
important part is to keep the kids who are ages 10 and over involved.
While there is Saturday school for the younger kids there are less
structured activities for the older kids. There have been movie days and
bowling days for the older kids but these are more sporadic. I think an
integral part of keeping the community vibrant is hosting more
activities in which the kids spend time with other Basque kids. Perhaps
having some artistic kids who aren’t into dancing or handball paint a
mural or collage for the Basque center would be a great means of
gathering kids and have them form their own lasting permanent memory.
Other organized events such as the group Sharks and Warriors games is a
good way of appealing to members who may not be interested in Pala or
Mus, but they can still enjoy the each other’s company.
I have heard many stories from my uncle and father about basketball and
softball leagues they took part in within the Basque community. Starting
up a co-ed basketball team or something like that would be another good
way to have members that are not involved to meet and get to know fellow
Basques in a fun inviting environment. Perhaps Father Seifert would be
willing to give up the NDV gym key once a week for people to play ball
like the old days. Another idea would be a one-day pala or handball
tournament. I know they have tournaments now, but it is very difficult
to make a commitment once a week for multiple months with so many
conflicting schedules. A one-day tournament would make it easy to get
everyone there and participating.
Growing up here, it is natural that one would acculturate to American
society. The cultures do not need to be exclusive. I think the legacy of
the Center will be dependent on being able to bridge the two. Offering a
place for people like me, where we feel comfortable sharing with our
American friends our unique culture, lends itself to promoting a lasting
legacy. While it is bittersweet for me to look around the club and know
that it is an aging group, I am hopeful that the torch will be carried
by the next generation. We just need to ensure that the next generation
is as rooted to this place we call our second home.
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