Shippensburg University “traveled the seas” on Saturday during the Latino Student Organization’s (LSO) Latino Explosion event.
The Latino Explosion allows LSO students to celebrate and share their culture with others on campus. This year’s theme transported attendees to other countries in order to be immersed in a bit of their culture.
Jose Ricardo-Osorio, a professor in SU’s Department of Global Languages and Cultures, led attendees in dance to the live music provided by Latin band Grupo Quiambao. As the night continued, some followed
Ricardo-Osorio’s lead and others began to dance to the rhythms in their own way.
The event took the audience to Brazil as dance duo Royalty Samba entertained attendees with dance while the attendees ate cultural cuisine. Students and families enjoyed homemade cultural dishes provided by parents, volunteers, alumni and SU’s dining services.
The evening ended with a performance by OMGCornelio, a celebrity drummer from Brooklyn. The Panamanian drummer engaged with the crowd as he shared his music with the attendees.
The LSO starts organizing the event as soon as the semester starts, LSO Executive Board member Brianna Hinkle said. After getting members together, the organization collaborates with performers. The group has no difficulty finding performers due to their previous involvement.
“This organization was founded to just bring Latino students together. There is not a lot of Latino representation on campus. When looking from eye view, you just see a lot of white or black people. You don’t see much of us, but when we all come together it’s something to celebrate so you feel a part of something,” Hinkle said.
If you are interested in joining the LSO, feel free to visit the Multicultural Student Affairs Office in Gilbert Hall.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.