Political science freshman Nick Luochesi performs with other members of the MSU Breakdance Club during a celebration of Afro-Latino week Feb. 20, 2014, in the Wonders Hall Kiva. Multiple dance groups performed, along with a spoken word presentation, at the event which was sponsored by Phi Chapter Phiotas. Casey Hull/The State News
For Phi Iota Alpha vice president Dylan Luna, the celebration of Afro-Latino week is more than the dancing, mingling and ethnic food offered at the events of the week.
The social relations and policy senior said the festivities going on during the week are not only enjoyable, but also help break down stereotypes and bring about knowledge of different cultures on campus.
“It’s a chance to learn, to get people engaged politically and get involved with the culture,” Luna said.
The Phi Iota Alpha hosted their Third Annual Afro-Latino Week in honor of Black History Month.
On Thursday, the fraternity held an event called Ritmo Latino, Sabor Africano, where they emblazoned performances from student groups, including the MSU Salsa Club, poet Leslie Aririguzo, the MSU Breakdance Club and others as a segment of their Afro-Latino Showcase.
They even held a dance contest to get students more involved.
Luna is the chairperson for the Afro-Latino Week Committee, which he established in February of 2012.
The fraternity focuses its efforts toward raising money and awareness for causes, such as UNICEF, by hosting events throughout the year.
Luna said he loves hosting the events because he gets to see people take new knowledge home.
Phi Iota Alpha brother and computer science sophomore Edwin Montoya said the week of celebration combines the African and Latino communities and makes students more aware of the minorities present on campus.
“The African and Latino community has influence here,” Montoya said. “Not just one group has influence.”
Aririguzo, also a psychology senior, said it’s important for the groups to support one another.
“I feel as though as minorities, sometimes we have to kind of uplift each other,” she said. “It’s always helpful to have group support.”
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