Lopezmalo said because the event was organized with the Division of Student Development and Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, they had more flexibility with vendor options, compared to when organizations run events independently.
The vendors for the event included Taco Moro, Mekato’s, Bryanna’s, El Rincón De Fabio, Luciana’s Kitchen, Vidagua Beverages and La Barra.
Loyola made a change in 2022 requiring student organizations cater food for university events only through their primary vendor Aramark, The Phoenix previously reported.
Lizbeth Arriola, associate member educator of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. and a fourth-year majoring in neuroscience and psychology, said presenting several food options was important to introduce the many types of cuisines within Latin America, beyond what people are typically familiar with.
The celebration also featured live music by a Mariachi band and Latin American themed bingo.
Following Beltrán’s speech, Isabel Tamas, coordinator of events and experiences under the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, addressed how, along with the transition of the Hispanic heritage celebration from a week to a month, the language used to connect with communities has also changed over time.
“In our pursuit of being a modern, Jesuit, Catholic university, we are committed to using and promoting inclusive language,” Tamas said in her speech. “So we, as a reflection of this commitment, have decided to shift towards using the term ‘Latine’ which has a neutral -e ending and is still accessible to pronounce in Spanish to describe this month.”
Tamas said the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion encourages individuals to use the language which feels right for them when referring to their heritage.
In her speech, Arriola said as a first-generation student she works hard in everything she does to achieve what members of her family couldn’t, and is trying to be a role model.
“Being Latina means having my family by my side and looking up to my siblings as my role models for coming here at such young ages and doing the best they can to live their lives,” Arriola said. “Most importantly being a role model to the future generations, that include my nieces and nephews so they can see that anything is possible.”
Gonzalez said coming from a multicultural household — her dad is Colombian and mom is American — people usually don’t think she is Latina, and she doesn’t have many opportunities to publicly celebrate her heritage.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time where I can be like ‘Yes, this is my culture,’” Gonzalez said. “I am connected to this whether or not people in society think I am based on how I look.”
Gonzalez said the event intended to help attendees experience the distinct cultures within the Latinx community first-hand.
“I would love to see non-Latinos come to all these events and learn about these cultures, experience them and feel comfortable taking part in them,” Gonzalez said. “The more people who aren’t Latino that experience it or participate in it, the more widely accepted and celebrated it can be.”
Beltrán said part of the college experience is immersing oneself in other cultures.
“That’s what college is about,” Beltrán said. “It’s to learn to grow, and to grow within your own identity and other identities.”
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Publish date : 2024-09-25 11:31:00
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