On Sept. 16, the Latin American Student Union honored Latin Heritage Month with their annual Kickoff in the Mandela Room. The event brought together students and organizations for a celebration of cultural pride.

This year, the Kickoff was themed “Lenguas Vivas.” Upon entering, attendees were greeted by E-Board members offering refreshments. Guests were encouraged to flip through nostalgic photo books that highlighted previous E-Boards and documented decades of LASU’s work.

“Every year we have a specified theme for LHM, and this year we chose ‘Lenguas Vivas’, which essentially means keeping languages alive,” Oscar Gil, a senior majoring in economics and the president of LASU, wrote to Pipe Dream. “Although this does not mean Spanish specifically, as we feel that it is important for all cultures to continue to speak in their native tongues, keeping the culture and history alive. It feels especially important this year given the rise in xenophobia and push for an ‘English only’ America.”

Tables were set up around the perimeter of the Mandela Room, allowing ample room to walk around and chat with all of the participating organizations. Tables offered fun, interactive activities for attendees to engage in as they explored the space.

The Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority chapter at Binghamton University hosted a game where audience members were invited to listen to and guess the meaning of Latinx slang words.

In addition to encouraging attendees to participate in interactive activities, organizations were able to highlight their goals and promote future events.

J.U.M.P Nation discussed their mission to decrease the high school dropout rate through mentorship. One of the organization’s biggest events includes J.U.M.P weekend, where mentors are matched with students over a weekend on campus in an effort to motivate them to stay in school. The organization highlighted a letter from a successful J.U.M.P weekend alum, who expressed gratitude for the experience.

Both the Black Student Union and SHADES promoted their upcoming events — the annual Homecoming Fashion Show, put on by BSU, and Vogue Ball, put on by SHADES.

Temporary tattoos and glow sticks were available for attendees to take from SHADES’ table, fostering conversation and connection.

LASU also brought in the American Civic Association Executive Director and CEO Hussein Adams and Deputy Director Laila Hernandez to give a talk. Both are Department of Justice-accredited representatives, allowing them to practice immigration law and provide services without being attorneys.

“We are a bridge between people and systems,” Hernandez said. “ACA supports immigrants and refugees as they navigate through problems, employment, education, housing, healthcare and community life. The work is practical — the outcome is much larger.”

After the speech, the energy in the room shifted to the dance floor as Quimbamba Latin Dance Team performed three numbers. Women wore decorated in sparkly bodysuits while men wore a neutral blue-and-black color scheme, captivating the audience with each twist and turn.

LASU’s Kickoff was a vibrant success that celebrated campus’ many unique multicultural organizations and spotlighted Latinx culture.

“LHM Kickoff represents what LASU is really about: cultivating a strong community while sharing resources that support the greater Latinx community,” Flores wrote. “It gives us space to celebrate who we are while also having important conversations about the social and political issues affecting our communities. Latin Heritage Month is about supporting one another through hardships, celebrating our accomplishments, and appreciating the beautiful traditions we share.”