Students, staff and community members from LBCC’s Liberal Arts campus came together to kick off Latinx Heritage Month with performances and free food on Sept. 16.
Performances from students, singer Carybel and a local cumbia Latin band, lit up the stage with high energy and rhythms that drew staff and students to dance and celebrate.
“We are excited to share our culture with all of the students of Long Beach City College,” said Carybel, the lead singer.
Singer Carybel with The CBand sings during the Latinx festival showcasing the talents of her voice and musical band, filling the space with energy and spirit while celebrating the culture at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 16. (Hailey Hildreth)
The event began with student performances from Mariangel and Los Conejos.
LBCC student Mariangel Alvarez powerfully sings during the Latinx festival at Long Beach City College on Sept. 16. Her performance showcased the celebration of culture. (Hailey Hildreth)
Member of Los Conejos Jorge Ceballos recounted his performance and said, “I was a little bit nervous, but overall, the energy just took over me”.
Students Jorge Ceballos (business major), left, and Oscar Diaz (engineering major) perform with their band Los Conejos during the Latinx festival bringing the community together with their talents and rhythm through music at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 16. (Hailey Hildreth)
The school hosted booths that spotlighted information on cultural resources and opportunities for student engagement.
Booths provided information on heritage-based resources for Latinx students and the event altogether created a space where identity, culture and education came together.
Lupe Pasillas, interim dean and student outreach director, right, volunteers by passing out free food and beverages to staff and students during the Latinx festival at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 16. (Hailey Hildreth)
A Latinx employee resource group committee member, Caroyln Castano, shared the goal of the event.
“Creating a positive environment and community where staff and students are seen. Where students of different ethnic backgrounds can enjoy and learn a little bit about us and our culture. I guess, creating a community,” Castano said.
The event was hosted by organizers James Ceja and Robert Robles, who are chair and co-chair of Latinx Employee Resource Group MILPA and coordinators of Latinx Heritage Month events.
Ceja mentioned that the event was not limited to those at LBCC, but extended beyond campus.
“We had a lot of families come out to see their children [Los Conejos] perform,” Ceja said.
There are many more planned events for Latinx Heritage Month until mid October that will celebrate the cultures of Latinx students and aim to foster a sense of community at LBCC.
Robles reflected on the event turnout compared to last year.
“The community here is strong, we all come to support each other. Regardless of what program you’re in, we’re all one at LBCC,” said Robles.
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