By Cosette Schulties, Student Writer
La Alianza Latina is putting together its first-ever Fuego Night, happening this Friday at the Student Union. In continuation of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Fuego Night is an opportunity to showcase Latino culture through talent, food and music.
Fuego Night draws its inspiration from another MCC event, Karibu, which the African Student Union hosts to honor the variety of African cultures represented on campus, said LAL Vice President Bethany Rivera.
There will be a flag procession representing a sample of Latin American countries, a time of socializing during dinner and performances mostly by Latino students to follow.
“Honestly I just want Latinos on campus to know they are appreciated and included here at Messiah, because they are, and we want to show them that,” Rivera says. “Also I want to include the rest of the campus in Latino culture – just to engage in conversation with them, grow as a community, and embrace differences.”
As this marks the first Fuego Night, the cabinet of La Alianza Latina is expectant of the outcome.
“My hope is that it continues every year as more Latinos join the student body,” said Treasurer of LAL Andrea Perez. “And that in 10 years, it will be a big event held in Brubaker and more students will feel immersed in Latino culture.”
As one of five multicultural clubs on campus, La Alianza Latina dedicates itself to providing a welcoming atmosphere for Latino-identified students. It also educates the majority on issues affecting the Latino community, whether in the United States or abroad.
“I hope more students become involved with LAL and it never loses its roots in familia or the shared experiences of the Latinos who put together the first Fuego Night,” Perez said.
Other events this semester by La Alianza Latina were their annual dance Baila, their collaboration with Lottie Dining Services for La Gran Cena and their Tuesday night chapel in conjunction with Campus Ministries.
Fuego Night is this Friday from 6-8 p.m. in the Union. LAL member meetings are alternate Wednesdays from 6-7 pm in the Multicultural Room at the top of the Union. For more information please contact laalianzalatina@messiah.edu.
