Latin Rhythms Social Brings Bounce to Honors College

By Xavier Aparicio / Additional writing by Nina Prenosil / Photos by Will Kraft, Kimberly Manyanga, and Theo Nims

Community
A diverse mix of students, faculty, and staff dance outdoors at the University of Massachusetts
Dancers at the Latin Rhythms Social, Photo: Kimberly Manyanga

The Honors community came together on September 22 to enjoy food, dance to music, make crafts, and celebrate Latinx Heritage Month 2023 at the CHC Latin Rhythms Social. Papel picado banners were adorned across the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community (CHCRC) concourse and Latin music rang throughout the CHCRC as students, faculty, and staff danced and ate food such as quesadillas, churros, plantains, and candy from across Central and South America.

Dean Mari Castañeda founded the event three years ago when she launched a college-wide initiative on the importance of community and a culture of care. This year’s event saw the greatest turnout yet, which even included an extensive conga line that zipped through the CHCRC concourse.

“I love the fact that CHCRC is being filled up with music and we rarely get to do that. It’s so great to celebrate Latinx culture and history.” Dean Castañeda said.

Dean Castañeda and a student dance outdoors in the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community during the Latin Rhythms Social in 2023 at the University of Massachusetts
Dean Castañeda and a student dance outdoors in the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community during the Latin Rhythms Social, Photo: Will Kraft

Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month is a critical part of cultivating a sense of belonging and inclusion at UMass, especially for Latinx students, including myself. One student, Jhoselin, said: “I am Hispanic and I knew that this was going on…I pleasantly enjoyed it, especially the candy.”

Another student, Abdiel, said: “I’m Puerto Rican and I always keep an eye out for Latinx events on campus.”

Two students stand outdoors in the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community at the University of Massachusetts
Abdiel and Carolin at the Latin Rhythms Social, Photo: Kimberly Manyanga

 

 

The large event and Latin music also welcomed passersby, whether they were Honors students or not. One student said: “I smelled good food and heard good music and decided to come on over to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month.”

The Latin music being played featured a variety of genres — from traditional salsa and merengue, to more contemporary tunes like Colombian hop, and songs from Bad Bunny. As the event went on, the DJs, Dean Castañeda, and Director of Advising LizAnette Pérez-LeBoeuf got on the mic to talk about the meanings and origins of the Latin music, as well as traditional Latin dances. The music was provided by Peace and Rhythm, a DJ and record collective based in Western Massachusetts.

Two DJs play music in Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community at the University of Massachusetts
Peace & Rhythm in action at Latin Rhythms, Photo: Theo Nims

Their approach to performing and playing music has an intention to spread awareness of Latin culture.

“While we play music for everyone to enjoy, we also want to make sure that students know what the music means and where it comes from,” one DJ said.

In addition to music, food, and dancing, students also had the opportunity to learn how to make the traditional Mexican decorative craft, papel picado, to hang in their rooms or dorms.

Personally, I believe that events like this within CHC are important to make the big UMass Amherst campus a bit smaller and more friendly.

Other Honors events will be happening throughout the semester as well that provide the opportunity to de-stress and meet the community — so make sure to be on the lookout for those!

Article posted in Community for Faculty , Staff , Prospective students , and Current students