Queensborough Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month
Don’t let anyone tell you Queensborough Community College can’t throw a party.
No, not the type that is one disgruntled neighbor away from a surprise visit from the police. Rather, this one was a celebration of culture.
We are in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month, and for the first time the Hispanic/Latinx Faculty and Staff Association introduced themselves to the campus and led the College’s Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off event.
The event ¡Viva La Cultura!, which translates to “Long Live The Culture,” was an opportunity for the Queensborough community to come together and celebrate all things Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx. And though the month focuses on the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities, the entire campus was able to join in the celebration.
Judging by the makeup of attendees, Queensborough got the memo.
In a diverse mix of students, faculty, and staff, everyone enjoyed a variety of events that included trivia and a dance routine.
Did you know that in 2022, 13 percent of U.S. states had one million or more Hispanic residents? That 38% of Hispanic adults had at least a B.A. as of 2021? Or that Uruguay won the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930?
You might not have known, but our students sure did – and they proudly made sure the room knew it during the spirited trivia contest.
Everyone even knew that Despacito reigned supreme as the top Spanish song in the U.S. of all time. Though with how that song has taken over the internet, even their parents could answer that.
But beyond the trivia, celebration, and excitement, it is also important to understand why the kick-off was so important to our institution.
As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), this month gives us a chance to not only give our students, but also faculty and staff, who identify as Hispanic, Latino/a or Latinx, as well as the larger community a chance to see our college’s connection to the cultural month.
While the party might be over, the celebration is just beginning with more events lined up throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, all of which can be found here.
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