“Bienvenidos!” LASA Director of Communications and senior journalism major Jessie Gomez energetically addressed the audience filled with students, alumni and family members.
The Latin American Student Association (LASA) hosted the 15th annual Sabor Latino on Friday, Oct. 2, in Upper Turner Campus Center (UTCC).
Eight performances filled the night with traditional Chilean dance, spoken- word poetry and a tribute performance to Cuban-American salsa singer Celia Cruz. LASA officers prepared rice, beans, tostadas, tamales and other mouthwatering Latin American foods to be offered during the intermission. Audience members also lined up to take wacky photos in the provided photo booth.
Spoken- word poet and senior youth ministry major Mikey Gutierrez proudly expressed: “I am Mexican. This is not a race, it is a people.”
Sophomore exercise science major Desaree Scobey, another spoken- word artist, spoke on behalf of wandering souls everywhere in her poem titled “Journey Well.”
“I finally know where I’m going,” she stated emphatically.
This year, LASA will be focusing on unity and diversity. This vision will be put into action through intentional steps that LASA is planning to take this year.
LASA Vice President and junior sociology major Cciara Mosella-Carcamo explained that the club’s emphasis will be on family, community and diversity.
“Even though we are different and diverse from each other, we are seeking to embrace our differences and find unity within that,” Mosella-Carcamo said.
LASA hopes an all-inclusive worship night will bring together ethnic organizations at APU.
“We are inspired by International Chapel’s worship style,” Mosella-Carcamo stated. “We want to make that into an intimate worship night where all people can sing to God in their own languages. This will give us unity within our club and unify all organizations on campus too.”
Rose Hall, the mother of LASA club member Zurai Hechavarria, revealed the value in remembering one’s heritage, “I am from El Paso, Texas, but my heritage is in Mexico. It is important not to forget about your roots, your culture. I am glad my daughter can practice her Spanish at a club like LASA, so she does not forget what is important.”
Student participation in events like Sabor Latino is what Gomez loves most about the club.
“I love seeing the student leadership team get together and make Latin American culture a reality at a school that is primarily dominated by Caucasian culture,” Gomez stated.
Senior music major and LASA member Amanda Corral ended the night by honoring the late Celia Cruz by singing a mash of Cruz’s hit songs, including “La Vida Es Un Carnaval Vivo” and “Quimbara.” Corral was accompanied by a lively band of trombone and trumpet players, drummers and a keyboardist as her vibrant voice shook the UTCC walls.
Senior music majors Philip Mata and Peter Albano joined Corral on stage as trombone players.
“We were in [University Choir and Orchestra] with Amanda last year,” Mata commented. “We’re excited because this is our first time performing in Sabor Latino.”
Corral’s parents and loyal fans, Monica and Robert Corral, were in the audience for the fourth year in a row.
“We came for the free food,” joked Robert Corral, and then added seriously, “No, our favorite part of the night is when Amanda sings.”
“We love Sabor Latino because we get to see the diversity of the different countries that make up Latin America,” agreed Monica Corral.
Sabor Latino is not the only event that LASA organizes. LASA hosts the Latinos Serving Latinos (LSL) conferences annually. LSL is a three-day conference held twice a year for Latino/a high school students in California with an interest in learning more about college life. LASA club members share their experience with female high school students in the fall and males in the spring. The main purpose is to motivate Latino/a students to achieve their goals and fearlessly pursue their dreams in the college setting.
“There’re things that label us, whether that be gender, ethnicity or economic status,” Mosella-Carcamo said. “But, that shouldn’t matter. You are more than that.”
As Sabor Latino successfully closes its curtains for the night, an aura of vitality and hope begins to resonate for APU community members. LASA invites everyone to participate in cultures that might not be one’s own; one may find a home in the unfamiliar.