In celebration of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, Laramie’s Latinx communities came together at the historic Train Depot for an evening of food, dancing, and cultural exchange. These events become increasingly valuable as local communities emerge from the isolation of Covid19 and face new waves of political adversity.
Latinx/Hispanic Heritage month has been observed since 1988, honoring the contributions and achievements of Latinx individuals in America. On the evening of the 18th, divisions of UW’s Multicultural affairs worked with the Latinx Employee network and other sponsors to promote growth and awareness within the community.
Becky Garcia and Milton Ontiveroz, co-chairs of the Latinx employee network, spoke about the importance of community inclusion and their goals in the night’s event.
“I think diversity and inclusivity are so important right now. We all seek a space, a place to be accepted for our past, present, and future. I don’t think this group approaches that goal in a very exclusive manner, which is important to us.” said Garcia.
Ontiveroz added, “We want to let students know that there are mentors on campus, and give them a sense of community. If they ever need anything, we can help them out.”
A wide range of cultural backgrounds from South American and Caribbean countries were represented at the event. Melanie Vigel, program director in the University’s Multicultural Affairs, noted her family roots in Mexico and their status as the first Hispanic family to settle in Laramie, WY.
“Our family has grown and spread out a lot. I like to make the joke that I can’t even go to Safeway without seeing a cousin.”
Vigel also noted challenges faced in Latinx communities both local and national, saying,
“Especially after Covid I think it’s important for all our communities to be able to connect. Right now, there are challenges with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students– making sure they can acquire funding for college. We are also still in the midst of an imigration crisis. We, as a country, have not been welcoming to immigrants even when immigrants give us the most sometimes.”
“I think a lot of it is perception. External perception and our own perception. I think in many ways it’s about convincing the next generation of what they can do, what they are capable of. That’s what needs to be passed to the next generation.”
Celebrations concluded with the Chilean tradition of Biodanza, led by Alberto Munoz. A nonverbal art form which promotes unity through shared feeling.
Munoz said, “Biodanza encapsulates a part of Latin American culture which celebrates self-expression through dancing, free movement…we dance in a circle to represent equality as we all feel and move together.”
