Lee clubs come together to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month
Briza Reyes-Cruz and Tehillah Gichuru photographed by Sarah Maslak.
National Hispanic Heritage month, a celebration meant to pay tribute to the history, culture and descendants of relatives from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The Leetinos club and the Mosaic Council recently came together to celebrate the representation of Hispanic culture within Lee’s community at Culture Fest on Sept. 24.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for not just Hispanics to celebrate the contributions and the rich culture they have contributed decades after decades, but it’s a time for our nation to partake in that celebration as well,” said Gabriel Tirado, senior theology major and chair of the Mosaic Council.
Tirado encourages people to take the time to educate themselves regarding Hispanic culture and history, not only for awareness but also to experience the joy that comes from it.
The Mosaic council is hoping to “promote and educate” people on campus through “development and advocacy.” Tirado explains if there are “things people want to see on campus, the Mosaic Council will advocate for them.”
According to Tirado, the Mosaic Council is “a council that serves.”
Briza Reyes-Cruz, junior graphic design major, is president of the Leetinos club this year. Leetinos is a cultural awareness club that seeks to celebrate diversity, culture and heritage.
Cruz is “absolutely in love” with her culture, but disappointed with the lack of representation.
Photo courtesy of the Lee Office of Publications
“A lot of people aren’t even aware that it is Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Cruz.
The Leetinos are hoping to provide opportunities for the Lee community to engage in new cultures and conversations, and celebrate the variety of representation on campus and in the community of Cleveland.
“We’re wanting to do an event here on campus at the end of the month with our Latino students, also open to the public, and have a day of celebration where people can come and learn about the Spanish culture that are involved in the Hispanic heritage,” said Cruz.
Emily Vega, senior English literature major, and her sister Julia Vega, senior human development major with an emphasis in business, are from Puerto Rico and part of Leetinos.
”We are accepting, we love everyone and we love to have a good time,” said Julia Vega.
The Leetinos, partnered with the Office of Racial and Ethnic Relations, are hosting a Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday, Oct. 8 from 7 - 9 p.m. in the Centenary room of the administration building. The event will feature food and games.
For more information on the Leetinos and the Mosaic Council, check out their Instagram pages.
