By: Moumen Alftah, Noah Yeboah, and Tatiana Woodside
Bergen Community College was in the midst of an inspiring celebration for Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month 2024, skillfully blending culture, education, and festivity under the theme Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together. This year’s events highlight not only the deep roots of Hispanic/Latino culture but also the impact that members of these communities are making toward a future defined by collaboration and progress.
The celebration officially commenced on September 19 with the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Celebration, transforming the Main Quad into a spectacular space of cultural appreciation and community interaction. The Quad bustled with students, faculty, and staff, engaging in diverse displays that reflected the rich, varied cultures across Latin America. Each table, covered in flags and traditional fabrics from countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Chile, invited students, staff, and faculty to learn about the traditions, history, and importance of each nation. The atmosphere was alive with music, conversations in both English and Spanish, and a palpable sense of pride.
A key highlight of the day was the food, as the Office of Student Life brought authentic Latin American cuisine to the forefront. Students sampled everything from nachos and salsa to sweet treats, turning the event into an immersive experience where flavors told stories of ancestry and migration. Beyond the culinary delights was the energy of live performances—such as traditional dances from various countries— that captured the audience, further emphasizing the beauty and diversity of Hispanic/Latino culture.
Building on this momentum, Bergen’s Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month continued to feature dynamic and thought-provoking events. One such standout was the Painting Botero’s Style Contest on October 1st. This event drew direct inspiration from the globally recognized Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose exaggerated figures have become synonymous with Latin American art. Students had the chance to submit their work, allowing for personal interpretation of Botero’s style while highlighting their individual connections to their culture. More than a mere contest, this event served as a platform for students to express their personal identities through art, echoing Botero’s larger themes of self-reflection and critique of societal norms.
On October 3rd, a compelling discussion titled “The Meaning of Belonging” took place at the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre. This event promised to delve deep into the heart of cultural identity, a topic more relevant than ever in today’s evolving social environments. The conversation explored how the idea of “belonging” shapes our interactions with the world around us, especially in a culturally diverse institution like Bergen, where students of Hispanic/Latino descent can often feel the duality of their cultural experiences.
Javier Ávila’s “The Trouble with My Name” was set for November 7th, marking one of the month’s most anticipated highlights. Known for blending humor with heartfelt reflection, Ávila’s one-man show touches on the complex issues surrounding Hispanic-American identity. His performance not only entertained but also provoked thought about race, language, and the immigrant experience, offering a raw and unfiltered view of what it means to navigate two worlds.
As the month progressed, Bergen Community College continued to demonstrate its commitment to celebrating Hispanic heritage. Events like A Story of Success: A Conversation with Hispanic Professionals on October 31 featured esteemed guests who have overcome adversity to achieve success in their respective fields. This discussion provided an invaluable opportunity for students to connect directly with role models, inspiring the next generation of Hispanic professionals.
Even though Hispanic Heritage Month officially ended in mid-October, Bergen is ensuring that the celebration extends far beyond. In the spring of 2025, events such as Valentine’s Day Tango Fusion and Cinco de Mayo celebrations are planned, symbolizing the college’s ongoing dedication to Hispanic/Latino culture throughout the academic year. These events aim to build on the momentum established this fall, offering more opportunities for students and the local community to engage with the vibrant cultural traditions that shape Bergen’s diverse population.
Through food, music, art, and dialogue, Bergen Community College’s 2024 Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month celebrations are a powerful reminder of how education can serve as a catalyst for unity and understanding. It is a call for students to not only honor the past but also actively shape the future, guided by the pioneers who came before them.
As the events continue, the invitation is clear: BCC students and the wider community are encouraged to get involved, celebrate, and learn from the stories that define Hispanic heritage.