October 11,2024

BLACK WORLD CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SECOND EDITION | @BLACKWORLDSBU | OCTOBER 2024

LETS TALK ABOUT IT. On Wednesday, October 2, Stony Brook celebrated its 35th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month. The event took place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Activities Center. Led by our beloved mascot, Wolfie, and the Stony Brook Marching Band, students and volunteers paraded around the SAC with Latin American flags. The keynote speaker, Manuel Cortes, class of '89, shared his inspiring story.

BLACK WORLD WAYS TO CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN NEW YORK

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are some ways to celebrate this month in New York.

Theater Productions: Repertorio Espanol has a variety of Hispanic-American, Spanish, and Latin-American productions. Repertorio has performances coming up in Spanish with English subtitles such as Radojka on Friday, October 11 at 7 pm.

There is also a performance of En El Tiempo de las Mariposas on Tuesday, October 15, Wednesday, October 16 at 11 am, and Saturday, October 19 at 3 pm.

New York Public Library: is hosting several free events this month to celebrate such as learning to dance salsa, arts and crafts, author talks and book discussions, etc.

They have many events for all age ranges.

Cooking Class: This class teaches you how to make traditional Puerto Rican dishes, Pernil, and Yuca con mojo de Ajo y Cebollas at Essex Market from 3:30 pm-5:00 pm on October 12.

Hispanic Day Parade: This is an annual parade that takes place on Fifth Avenue and features 21 Spanish-speaking countries showcasing their culture, music, and folklore on October 13 at 10 am.

BLACK WORLD SAVORING FLAVORS: HONORING HISPANIC HERITAGE THROUGH FOOD EDWARD YEBOAH

No matter the culture, food is an important aspect that cannot be taken for granted. The delectable and mouth-watering dishes of Hispanic cuisine offer a sensory experience that carries history, tradition, and identity. For the Hispanic community, food celebrates life, family, and rich cultural heritage. Gathering around the table for meals is about nourishing the body and passing down recipes, stories, and customs from one generation to the next.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from the 15th of September through the 15th of October. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the vibrant flavors and beloved dishes that have become staples not just in Latin America but worldwide. Whether it’s the crisp, savory bite of an empanada, the perfectly fried crunch of tostones, or the creamy and fresh taste of guacamole, these foods embody the rich diversity and warmth of Hispanic culture.

As a foodie and avid enjoyer of Latin American cuisine, I just can’t get enough of the incredible variety of flavors and textures that this region has to offer. I am truly grateful for the distribution and expansion of these flavors throughout the United States. As an SBU student, I find myself spending my dining dollars at Cocina Fresca in East Side Dining.

However, it’s important to note that Cocina Fresca is not truly authentic Latin American food, but rather Stony Brook University’s effort Whether I’m ordering a burrito or chicken and rice bowl between my classes, Cocina Fresca has become my go-to for fulfilling my cravings and feeling euphoric with each bite. It certainly lifts my spirits after a long, tiring day of classes and an empty stomach.

As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, let’s take a moment to celebrate the dishes that have become cultural symbols and personal favorites. One such dish is the empanada, a savory crispy and fried pastry that has a flaky crust filled with a seasoned beef mixture, incorporating traditional spices like cumin and paprika and many peppers. Whether enjoyed as a snack or part of a family meal, the empanada carries the heart and soul of Hispanic culture.