Hispanic Heritage Month Recap
For a lot of students beginning college, discovering a cultural community can be something of concern, especially at a university where cultural diversity is at a slim margin like Elon.
Although the Latino student body on campus may be small, (making up about 7%) it doesn't stop them from working to cultivate a space where they can identify with another and celebrate their shared heritage, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month.
El Centro’s began the chain of celebratory events with their annual kickoff in Medallion Plaza. The event had a live regional Mexico group and catered food from a local restaurant. For students, this event carries much significance, especially for those far from home.
“...it reunites us with our culture, for those of us who are far away [from home]” Cindy Mungiyez said.
The loud music echoed on the brick walls of the Medallion Plaza, the same way it would at a family or household party. The strums of the guitars ignited a rhythm in the crowd that everyone participated in; everyone mirrored the same two steps regardless of having learned them in entirely different places. The beauty of culture lies in sharing something we might not even know until it comes to fruition, like knowing the same passes and our parents taught us regardless of never having met.
Alongside El Centro, the Latino and Hispanic Student Union, also known as LHU, also hosted their share of events to commemorate the month, like hosting a party for the organization's 9th birthday. The party included food and a fun chance to feel like a kid again by getting spun around and attempting to break open a piñata.
Cultural community is important, but sometimes so is feeling like a kid again. Having little moments in college that mirror moments of your childhood can help you feel grounded again, and remind you that even the smallest moments of familiarity can bring you joy and comfort in a completely new and foreign place.
LHU also hosted their annual Habana, a party at the College Taphouse including a hired DJ. Similar to El Centro’s Kickoff, La Habana allows students to celebrate in dance, something so significant in Latino culture with a space where all are welcomed to partake in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I really liked seeing that people who aren't latinos come in and have fun and enjoy the moment as well, which really shows that our events aren't just exclusive to us and that so many others can join,” Mungiyez said.
Although the Latino student body does a great job at putting on events during the months of September and October, the importance of cultural community, especially with the margins of diversity at Elon, goes beyond just Hispanic Heritage Month. Cultural community is something that in order to strive, needs support and participation. With the help of the Elon community, it is something Elon can continue to grow and flourish in for the incoming classes to come.