In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Adelante discussed the importance of culture and the Latinx community throughout Seton Hall.
Adelante is a student organization on campus which empowers the Latinx community through programming, service and more.
Sept. 15 marks the independence of many Latin American countries, celebrating those from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America, according to Pew Research Center. Hispanic Heritage Month is a widespread celebration of history, influence and culture.
President of Adelante, Sarai Romero, a senior elementary and special education and environmental studies double major, said the month “serves as a reminder of how Hispanic people have positively influenced the U.S. and its culture.”
“The Month truly represents a space for Hispanic communities to celebrate who we are and emphasize the great diversity of the Latinx community,” Romero said.
Romero said she hopes to increase the appreciation of Hispanic culture among non-Hispanic students at Seton Hall.
“Educate yourself on things you may not know and give yourself a chance to learn more about this culture,” Romero said. “One step can be as simple as attending an event from a cultural organization and trying something new.”
Vice President, Isabella Cruz, a junior international relations and diplomacy major, said she has been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month since she was a child.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time in which my culture finally gets the appreciation and respect it deserves,” Cruz said. “During this time, I get to appreciate all the amazing leaders, artists, politicians…but it is also a time when other little girls get to see that they too can get through it because other women who look like them have.”
Public Relations Chair, Valeria Rodriguez, a junior English major, said being surrounded by peers with similar values is “empowering.”
“Many of us are first-gen and had to figure things out alone, but we’re all here and we’re all thriving together,” Rodriguez said. “The barrier holds less weight when you’re not struggling alone, and Adelante provides solidarity.”
Big and Littles Chair, Jennifer Martinez, a junior interprofessional health sciences major, said she has found a “tight-knit family” where she can be herself. She added that Adelante is “a home away from home.”
Alexa Toohey can be reached at alexa.toohey@student.shu.edu
