On Wednesday, October 1st, the Human Rights Institute and the Holocaust Resource and Education Center partnered to host Sabor Latino, an event held outside at the Miron Student Center (MSC). The one-hour showcase invited students to connect and get educated on Latinx and Hispanic Culture through food, activities, and conversation.
The place was divided into two main sections. On the left, students ate traditional foods such as empanadas, fresh fruit, and cultural drinks. On the right, tables featured trivia games on current events, geographic locations, and features from Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
A prize wheel offered giveaways such as bags, bucket hats, and pens for students who answered correctly.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and honors the rich traditions, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. The month encourages all, not only those of Hispanic descent, to participate in honoring and learning about the makeup of Latinx.
Leila Zeryoh, a freshman, majoring in environmental science from Puerto Rico, who was born in Morocco, reflected on a fear that some people face during the celebration.
“I think it shows a lot of people who want to embrace it yet are scared to celebrate it due to fear of things like being disrespectful," Leila said. “As much as we celebrate with our people, we want to share with others; we also want to celebrate our culture with others because our culture and people are worth celebrating.”
The importance of cultural engagement at Kean is also echoed by event workers.
Salma Abdallah, a senior intern with the Human Rights Institute, added her perspective.
“As a Hispanic serving institution, I feel like Kean needs to keep hosting events like this, and overall I hope it’s a great opportunity and hope students learn a lot today.”
At Sabor Latino, students were able to learn new information that even connected with themselves.
Mohamed Sheriff, a sophomore majoring in psychology from Liberia, spoke about what he learned.
“I didn’t know a lot of Mexican people made drinks with hibiscus in it like Liberians do, we call it bissap, and here they call it jamaica.”
Guzman, Cesar, a sports management sophomore from Westfield, NJ, also shared his thoughts.
“I think it’s great, you know, especially for American people that are unfamiliar, to come to these kinds of events and to see the culture of these countries.”
In just one hour, Sabor Latino provided learning, celebration, and community, furthering Kean's recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and the cultures that it honors.
