LBCC’s Latinx Heritage Kick-Off event will feature free food, live Mexican regional music, and an open mic where Latinx students can speak about their experiences at the LAC E quad in front of the auditorium on Tuesday from 12 to 2 p.m.
Guests will be able to sample a variety of Latin American based dishes such as Cali burritos, a dish that modifies the traditional style of burritos by replacing the rice with french fries, carne asada quesadillas and taquitos de papa.
The kick-off marks the beginning of a month-long series of events held at LBCC celebrating Latinx heritage from Monday to October 15.
The purpose of the kick-off according to Alejandro Flores, one of the event coordinators, “is to highlight student voices and their talent”.
Local band Los Conejos, who play regional Mexican music and are frequently seen playing in front of the LAC library, was scouted for the event by the coordinators.
The band has prepared a setlist that includes songs about heartbreak and romance along with cumbias and corridos for Tuesday.
Joining them in their performance is singer Mariangel Alvarez, who was the winner of an on-campus karaoke competition that was held for AAPI Heritage Month in May.
In addition, the event will feature cumbia music performed by a band called Carybel.
Event leaders James Cejo and Robert Robles explained that during the open mic portion of the event, individuals of Latin descent are encouraged to come forward and express their perspectives as members of the Latinx community.
Robles mentioned that he wants to create a multicultural environment at LBCC through the kick-off and other events.
“We have a mission to represent ourselves and represent our voices. I hope they feel empowered in this institution and wherever they go,” said Robles.
Robles emphasized the event’s inclusive spirit and encouraged different cultures to engage in the event.
“Though this is a Latinx kick-off, we want to invite the whole community to come, we want to welcome everybody.”
