¡Que vivan los Hispanos! From Sept. 15 well into October, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The liveliness and richness of Hispanic culture is on display for all to see. The bright colors, the language, the food – It wraps you all in a warm hug.
As a Hispanic myself, this month is one of teaching and learning. This month celebrates individuals of Hispanic descent but, the word Hispanic itself holds so much weight. It is recognition of a past rooted in colonization and exploitation. It is recognition of the perseverance of a language and its culture. It is recognition that we belong in spaces that were not created for us.
My way of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is by educating those around me. The decadent aroma of arepas on my pan filled my kitchen and the bellies of my roommates and I. I bought Colombian bread from Caprichos in Pawtucket to make it feel like I was at home. In doing so, I received questions of how to eat arepas, what buñuelos were made of, and what were typical meals I ate at home. These simple questions cascaded into something more: genuine curiosity. Friends who had taken Spanish classes in high school asked me how to say different phrases or to jog their memory. I taught friends the basic moves of salsa, where we danced the night away. Hispanic Heritage Month is all about appreciation and celebration.
Brown did not fall too far behind on the festivities. The Latinx Student Union hosted different events that fostered a spirit of community. A dinner was held on the Main Green, welcoming student voices for different club organizations alongside the musical talents of Mariachi at Brown and Mezcla.
There are opportunities to get involved with the Hispanic community on campus. The multitude of student organizations fall under the Latinx Student Union and are more than willing to spread the love. The Hispanic Studies department adds to the discussion, focusing on pre-colonization to the modern day through literature, film, and other media. The selection of classes varies from semester to semester but they are a personal favorite of mine. There will also be a Día de los Muertos event on Nov. 3 to honor the tradition of the Day of the Dead, if you would like to show your support.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of reflecting, learning, and keeping hispanic culture alive. Whether you went to a parade or listened to Bad Bunny’s new album, all forms of support are welcomed. ¡Gracias from me to you!