October 14, 2021

Celebrating Culture

First Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Block Party was a huge success

Posted in: Hispanic Initiatives, Homepage News, University

Two students dancing — A little salsa dancing.

Cultural pride was on display Wednesday, October 13 as students, faculty and staff celebrated Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with food, dancing, dominoes and much more. The block party at the Student Center quad also marked a five-year milestone of Montclair’s State as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The event, which also featured poetry readings and a student Latin jazz band, was sponsored by the Office for Hispanic Initiatives. Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, a period that coincides with independence day festivities of many Latin American countries.

Photo Gallery

Group of students swaying to music — Feeling the music.

Students lined up at the pink empanada truck — The empanada truck was a big hit.

Direct Latin Influence band members with instruments under tent — Direct Latin Influence brought the salsa beats.

Overhead view of table with dominios and player hands — For those who were game, there were traditional Puerto Rican double 6 dominoes.

Katia Paz Goldfarb speaks at a podium in front of a clothesline strung with flags — Katia Paz Goldfarb, associate provost for Hispanic Initiatives and International Programs, speaks to the crowd in front of the flags of many Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Members of the Latin American Student Organization seated around a painted posterboard with the club's name — Organizations such as the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) tabled at the block party.

4 students facing instructor in dance studio — Students got in their salsa and merengue steps via Zumba®.

The Office for Hispanic Initiatives extends its thanks to Campus Sponsors and Partners!

Sponsors: Student Development & Campus Life, Center for Student Involvement, Campus Recreation & Intramural Sports, Residence Life, University Facilities, Cali School of Music and 90.3 WMSC-FM.

Partners: Latin American Student Organization, Montclair State Dining, Student Government Association and the Latino/a/x Caucus.

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.