The second largest ethnic group at TCU celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 25 with the United Latinx Association’s (ULA) Quinceañera event.
The XV event, which was held in the Intercultural Center, was in collaboration with the Department of Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES) and the Spanish department.
It was a celebration of food and culture to celebrate Latinx students and help them feel supported and valued, according to the ULA executive board.
Special performances from Ondas Community and Tiffany Baile Folklorico showcased traditional art forms rooted in Brazil and Mexico.
Ondas Community encouraged audience participation, students learned dance choreography and how to play traditional Brazilian instruments.
There was an abundance of food; students enjoyed pupusas, rice and beans from Doña Carmen, flan and tres leches cake from Don Goyo and aguas frescas from Michoacan A Pedir de Boca.
Dr. Luis A. Romero and Dr. Gonzalez-Cedeño, professors from the Department of Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES), spoke about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“To me, having a month that celebrates our heritage is an opportunity to remember important figures in our Latinx history but also our ancestors, our mothers, our sisters, our fathers, our brothers, our friends,” Dr. Gonzalez-Cedeño said.
The United Latinx Association aims to unify the diverse Latinx students at TCU to develop involvement and support for the Fort Worth community, promote academic excellence, pride in Latinx culture and increase access to higher education.
It was founded in the late 2000s and there are currently 106 active members.
Maria Alonso Morales, the current president, found ULA to be a community where she was seen, valued and welcomed.
“Each role has given me the opportunity to build leadership skills, collaborate with others, work toward creating the same inclusive and supportive space for future members that first inspired me to get involved,” Alonso Morales said.
ULA has numerous events coming up including Loteria Night, a Dia De Los Muertos event and a tailgate.
