Photo courtesy of Justin Levy
Matthew Quisel
News Reporter
Newton South students may have heard salsa music through the halls while walking to classes at the beginning of October—this was done in celebration of Newton South’s first Latinx festival during Latinx heritage month.
Students had the option to sign up for the events during all three WIN blocks for the week, and many did. Most students signed up for Thursday WIN, when the Latinx festival took place. Still, many also attended the student-led panel on Wednesday, October 13th and the Latinx community leader-led panel on Friday, October 15th.
During Wednesday’s WIN block, the Latinx Festival kickoff took place. Students heard from their Latinx peers about growing up in countries in Latin America, as well as the traditions and cultures of different countries; they were able to ask questions, learn new information, and get a better understanding of daily lives in Latin America.
Thursday’s WIN block hosted the Latinx Heritage Music Festival. Spanish music bounced off the walls of the lecture hall as the audience watched a variety of performances, including salsa dancing, Spanish guitar, folk singing martial arts, and even a live mariachi band. With all of its intriguing and unique acts, it is no wonder that the music festival had a packed audience.
During Friday’s WIN Block, Newton South hosted a Panel of Community Latinx Leaders, consisting of teachers from our school, Boston city councilor Julia Mejia, Ana Mascote, and other community leaders. Together, they spoke about growing up in Latinx families and the struggles that they faced. Additionally, they spoke briefly on current policy in America regarding Critical Race Theory and the importance of exposing children to different cultures.
Overall, the first Latinx Heritage Festival was a blast of music and dancing combined with important political and cultural discussions. Faculty organizer Joana Chacon de Entwisle said, “By having awareness festivals like this, we are making the fabric of our South community stronger [and making] the school more vibrant. These festivals lead to positive socioemotional outcomes—joy, high self-esteem, comfort, safety.”
It is essential to support the Latinx individuals in our community through the events that happened last week. But, in addition to support, it is just as crucial for students at Newton South to open their eyes to new arts and traditions different from what they see on a day-to-day basis.
Ms. Chacon noted, the event was made possible due to support from the South Human Rights Council (SHRC) and the work of faculty and staff: “I also want to give a shout out to the amazing group of students who stepped up to put on the first festival and helped start a new tradition.”
We will all be hoping for more of these fantastic opportunities in the future.
If you would like to watch a video of the kickoff or panel, click on either link.
