Latinidad At Hispanic Culture Night
Approaching the final days of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Lewis Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity held a Hispanic culture night, celebrating the month and different communities within the Latine community. The event featured other groups such as Men Integrated in Brotherhood, Mi Gente, the ICAA and Sisters Scholars Inc..
The word of the night was “Latinidad” and the event showcased that and much more. There were various tables representing different hispanic countries and their cultures such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Columbia. Some of the items at display included Dominican coffee beans and Puerto Rican cojito: rum with coconut milk. Later on, Hispanic food was served including empanadas, sweet plantains, and rice with pigeon peas.
Keynote speaker Dr. Luis Paredes, Vice President of Institutional Equity at Wheaton college and former Director of Equity here at BSU, spoke of what the month represents. Paredes spoke on “a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, peoples, and heritages” and it showed. The night was filled with everyone speaking of their various countries’ customs and traditions and discussing shared experiences. The night was culminated with a dance by Mi Gente that captured just exactly the energy, excitement, and “latinidad” within Hispanic Heritage Night.
The Lewis Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity is always welcoming new people whether that be at events or in the center itself located on the first floor of the Rondileau Student Union. Drop by any event or at the office Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:45 PM.
