On Saturday, October 1st, the 30th annual LSO Latino Blast was held at MPR’s Ceddia Union Building.
Students of all backgrounds were invited to enjoy Latin American music, food and dance. The event was sponsored by Shippensburg’s Latino Student Organization (LSO) to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15th.
According to LSO Secretary Cassidy Vangas, Latino Explosion “gives us an opportunity to express our culture and share it with others. A lot of people come out to hug him.” The cultural sharing brought out dozens of students and families to celebrate with good food and music. The celebrations of the event lasted from 16-18
Among the dances performed at this event was the traditional Colombian cumbia dance. Cumbia began as a mix of indigenous, African and European cultures on the Caribbean coast of the South American country of Colombia. Volunteers from the crowd were invited to come to the front to learn how to do the dance.
Several students in the crowd spoke about their thoughts on the importance of cultural diversity and cultural events like Latino Explosion. One student said, “It shows representation of the diversity of Shippensburg’s culture. Students are making sure Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated at Shippensburg.”
Pride in their common ancestry was a theme raised by LSO students and organizers. Another important thing for Latino students is finding a sense of community on the Shippensburg campus.
“When I first came to Shippensburg, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be here,” Vangas said. “Coming to the LSO made me feel like a home away from home. The LSO made me feel like I wanted to be here.”
Finding a sense of community is important to students on the Shippensburg campus. One commuter student said Latin Blast meant feeling more comfortable at school. “(Latin Explosion) brings people together,” she said. “I plan to join the LSO.”
The Shippensburg Latino Student Organization is a club run to promote Latino inclusion and culture on campus. According to Vangas, one of the goals of the LSO is, “To bring the Hispanic community together and discuss things that we go through on campus.” The LSO also holds Hispanic summits.
Latino Explosion is just one example of campus groups coming together to promote diversity and community at Shippensburg University. The Latino Student Organization will hold more events throughout the year to promote and share their culture.
