Emporia State Student Diversity Programs hosted a kick-off event for Hispanic Heritage Month in Kellogg Circle on Sept. 14.
The event included activities such as a jalapeño eating contest, a pinata contest, live music, and dancing, which highlighted cultural traditions. Food vendors, the Emporia Public Library, Emporia Arts Center, and Emporia Spanish Speakers also participated.
The purpose of the event was to “bridge more connections between the community and Latino population” and inform the Latino community on the ESU and community services available to them, according to Magda Escalante, Graduate Assistant for the Office of Diversity and Student Programs.
“It is important for ESU to show our students and the local community that are part of the Hispanic and Latino community that their culture is important and worth celebrating here on campus,” said Percy Holt, Coordinator of Diversity Student Programs who organized the event. “The goal of the event is to bring people together to celebrate culture and provide students that don’t know much about the Hispanic community a chance to interact and engage with Hispanic culture and learn more.”
Senior marketing major Joel Obando won the jalapeño eating contest at the kick-off and the athletic program won the pinata contest with their athletic trainer pinata.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. ESU will hold a Hispanic Heritage Month Latinx panel on Sept. 27.
