Latin cafe serves up fun for Hispanic Heritage Month

"Soy de aqui y soy de alla, from here and from there," posed a question that separates and divides a community. But in the Blacktop Lounge, differences were embraced and at the root of the gathering was a celebration of the Hispanic culture and heritage.

The night consisted of tantalizing Mexican foods provided by CK's Summer Treats and poems, read aloud by both professors and students. Dr. Rebecca Steinberger, English department, started stood before the congregation with maroon book in hands and clear voice that projected across the room. She recited poems from a collection of Sandra Cisneros and followed with poems written by Pat Mora, Judith Ortiz Cofer, and Tato Laviera.

These poems invited listeners into the world of those who walk each day with the burdens of prejudice and even hate on their shoulders. Listening to the methodical voices of the readers, breathing in tune with the beat of the words, those attending were part of a celebration of Hispanic Heritage lasting from September 15th to October 15th.

"...They couldn't tame you. You know as well as they: to be a dove is to bear the falcon at your breast, your nights, your seas."

-From "Love of My Flesh, Living Death" by Lorna Dee Cervantes

Steinberger said that Latin Cafe was a place to celebrate literature and artistic achievements of Hispanic writers and share some traditional ethnic rituals and raise awareness to the campus community of the accomplishments of writers of Latin America.

Poems that told of aunts who have given up on marrying their nieces, no longer nudging "You're next, a girl wondering, "why am I so brown?" and dreams of escape were read by students. Plates stacked with pungent quesadillas, tacos and other cuisine were eventually emptied. The company swelled with admiration and thoughtfulness at the striking qualities of the poems, all similar in their blunt, riveting emotions telling of the challenges of being Hispanic.