Long Beach City College kicked off its celebration of Latinx Heritage Month Sept. 21 at its Liberal Arts Campus with an event full of performances, free food, and dancing.
LBCC President Mike Munoz and Board President Herlinda Chico took the mic to tell why the celebration is so important to them.
“Especially in Southern California, people automatically think you are Mexican but it is important to know there are other cultures included in the Latinx community as well,” said Chico.
The event began with land acknowledgments and traditional Aztec dancing by Danzantes Aztecas who performed in traditional regalia and played music from their culture.
While the dancers performed, students were able to grab free food such as rice, beans and tacos from a taco truck provided by LBCC.
The event also showcased booths with different information such as organizations focused on the well-being of LGBTQIA Latinx individuals, information on immigration and legal services, a booth to give your opinions on LBCC, and a student club called the Siembra club.
The Siembra club is a Latinx student club on campus where students can come together and learn about their culture and celebrate in it.
“It is a place of inclusion and belonging,” said club member Miguel Zavala.
After the speakers left the stage, music was played and attendees joined in together on the dance floor to dance.
Following that, they welcomed to the stage a Selena impersonator who performed many of the late singer’s most popular songs.
According to the Director of Student Equity at LBCC, Eric Beccerra, this event was the first of many other cultural kick off events in the future including a celebration for Filipino Heritage Month in October.
“These events are important for letting students know we do see them and we do hear them,” said Beccerra.
This event was the first of many celebrations for Latinx Heritage month.
Future events include a Sip and Paint event on Thursday and a one day cumbia dance class event on Oct. 12.
Nira Perez, a Selena impersonator performs during LBCC’s Latinx heritage kickoff event at the start of the month. There was a live DJ as well as other performances that were put on during the event. (Michelle Cardenas) 
Nira Perez, a Selena impersonator sings all of Selena’s hits and had the crowd of people dance and sing along during Long Beach City College’s Latinx heritage kickoff event. (Michelle Cardenas) 
Chief Virginia Carmelo performs Aztec dances at LBCC’s kick off event for Latinx Heritage Month.(Matthew Gregory) 
Citlali Aruizu performs with other Aztec performers at LAC on Sept. 21 (Matthew Gregory) 
Students dance at LBCC’s Kick off event for Latinx Heritage Month at LAC on Sept. 21 (Matthew Gregory)