Latino Heritage Month kicks off with "flavor" all its own

Latino culture is known for enthusiasm and expression, a concept highlighted by the theme of "flavor" for this year's Latino Heritage Month events.

According to Melody Pannell, director of multicultural services, the theme was a student-generated idea. Pannell said it was intended to send out the message that the term "latino" includes many different ethnicities and cultures, each very different and distinct from one another. It can also refer to the flavor of spirit, that despite the different tongues and cultures, the Christian community has a common spirit. Just as spices enhance the quality of food, Pannell explains, diversity enhances the quality of our spirit.

Events this year include a mix of traditions, such as the Latino Coffee Break following the kick-off chapel last Friday, along with new ideas. For the first time this year, LSA will be bringing in a professional dance instructor to teach Latin dances in preparation for the Annual LSA Fall Dance. David Hedley from Richmond, Va. will be instructing three weekly sessions. The first session begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, in the Aerobics Room.