Students gathered at the Student Center quad for the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Block Party on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Montclair State University celebrated its fifth year as a Hispanic serving institution (HSI), making sure that the Latinx community of Montclair State knows how important and valued they are. The event was hosted by the Latin American Student Association (LASO).
LASO’s goal is to share its culture with people on campus through various events, like this block party.
The block party featured multiple bands that were playing authentic Latin music. For those who came for the food, there was the Empanada Lady food truck.
Many different organizations attended the block party, including Montclair State’s Office of Civic & Voter Engagement, New Jersey Immigration Community Outreach (NJICO), American Red Cross, WMSC, LASO members and Montclair State Intramural Sports.
The long line of students waiting to get food from the Empanada Lady food truck.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
The line for the Empanada Lady food truck was consistently long until the end of the event. The first 200 students received free food from the truck. Everyone was able to hear and appreciate the festivities around them, even while simply waiting in line for food.
Eva Omane and Schnei Verneus, junior public health majors, enjoy empanadas from the food truck.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
One of the many bands playing at LASO’s block party.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
Bands played live Latin music to make the event festive and add to the overall atmosphere of fun.
A member of LASO standing next to their sign at the Student Center quad.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
News director of WMSC, Anandaji Cruz Rosario (left), interviews Dr. Katia Paz Goldfarb (right) about the block party.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
WMSC interviewed the organizer of the block party, Dr. Katia Paz Goldfarb, the associate provost for Hispanic initiatives and international programs.
While students came together and celebrated Hispanic/Latinx culture, there was even a special appearance by Rocky the Red Hawk.
NJICO attended the block party at the Student Center quad.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
T’lea Smith and Mabel Ramirez from the American Red Cross have fun with Rocky at the block party.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
Montclair State Intramural Sports attended the block party.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
Brennan Sumner, graduate coordinator of Civic and Voter Engagement (left) and Dr. Mariel Pagan, director of the Center for Student Involvement and Civic and Voter Engagement, encouraged students at the event to vote.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Englander
