Shippensburg University’s Latino Student Organization (LSO) held a Latin-style cookout at the SU Hockey Rink to honor Hispanic culture and food Sept. 27.
Hispanic Heritage Month began on Sept. 15 and ends on Oct. 15. The celebration honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans to American culture. Hispanic Heritage Month was originally recognized as “Hispanic Heritage Week” in 1968.
Since then, individuals celebrate the month nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences and community gatherings. LSO members wanted to celebrate the importance of raising awareness about Hispanic Heritage Month and all that Latinos have done to shape the United States.
LSO hosts cookouts annually, traditionally attracting a lot of campus community members to attend. However, because of the COVID-19 coronavirus, fewer people attended the event this semester. Nevertheless, attendees had a good time and enjoyed the different types of food.
Siara Gutierrez, a member of LSO, spoke on the importance of the event and how it impacts the community. Gutierrez viewed the cookout as a symbol of gathering different cultures together to celebrate Latino history. She also said the event moves people out of their comfort zones to try different foods and experiences.
There was a diverse selection of Caribbean, Mexican and several other Latin American food and desserts. Attendees immersed themselves into the Latin American and music.
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