schwabk2@lopers.unk.edu
UNK hosted its yearly Latinx Heritage Month Celebration, which was open to the entire community. The night was filled with music, food, candy and even a few piñatas.
Looking closer into the celebration, it’s all about UNK’s students.
“UNK has a very large number of Latinx students, so we just want to make sure to provide a space in which they see themselves, their culture, and that they see UNK is invested in them as much, if not more, than they are invested in us,” said Luis Olivas, assistant director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “It’s just all part of being affirming and inclusive of Hispanic and Latinx culture.”
Since 1997, the Latinx Heritage Month Celebration has grown exponentially. But due to COVID-19, there was no celebration last year.
“We wanted to come back this year with even more programming like our DJ, food, photo booth, candy bar and raffle prizes,” Olivas said. “This is to ensure Latinx students know that we are committed to them, but also to their community and culture.”
With all of the authentic celebrations, students felt welcomed that evening.
“Being so far away from home, I came to be reminded of stuff that happens there,” said Favian Vallez, a freshman business management major with a minor in marketing. “This is a gateway to food, candy, dancing and more that is like home.”
The food was a huge standout at the event.
“I’m most excited about seeing my friends, and the different kinds of people that are going to show up,” Vallez said. “I’m also looking forward to dancing and eating way too much food.”
Spending time with friends drew many to the celebration.
“I’m excited to see everyone there that I know,” said Ana Flores-Cardenas, a junior criminal justice major. “Most of the people that I hang out with will be there, so it’ll be cool to see them.”
While there’s fun to be had at the event, students recognize the significance of Latinx Heritage Month and how UNK is celebrating.
“It means a lot, because it’s acknowledging the person who I am,” Flores-Cardenas said. “I identify with a lot of things, but mostly I identify being Hispanic Latino, so that’s really important to me. It’s nice to know that there’s events for us on campus.”
