The environment is vibrant and alive as Latin music plays in the background. Bachata, salsa, and cumbia are heard as well as the chatter and connections being made among the crowd of UDC students at the Cafécito Pop-up.
Pastries such as elephant ears and churros with chocolate dip were a few of the featured desserts. Students, including sophomore Eshe Thomas, and freshman Jalani Godbolt enjoyed the gathering. “I love the food, everything is really good, especially the churros with the chocolate on that! It’s flavorful” said Godbolt.
UDC’s Corazón Latino Coalition, formerly known as the Next Gen Association, organized the Cafécito Pop-Up. According to the coalition, the name change is to better honor the Latino culture and heritage.
Tyonna Lawson-Bey, a sophomore Social Work and Business Management major, recognizes the importance of events like these. “I feel like it allows us to connect. Get to know the [Hispanic] culture, so expanding” she said.
The Cafécito Pop-Up portrays a part of Hispanic culture, as Latinos are known, to love their coffee or café. Often at an early age, Hispanics are introduced to coffee. It is one of the first things a Latino household offers a guest to show hospitality.
The event is about creating a sense of community. Axel Orellana, a senior Computer Engineering major, and member of Corazón Latino Coalition, recognized that UDC students wanted more activities and events that celebrate Hispanic Heritage and Latino culture.
In addition to events, the Corazón Latino Coalition shares information and opportunities addressing the day-to-day economic challenges and financial burden on immigrant students.
“There are a lot of us [Hispanic students] in this school but there isn’t a big community, and that’s what we’re trying to solve,” said Orellana.
