BYU College of Family, Home and Social Sciences holds its National Hispanic Heritage Celebration

The College of Family, Home and Social Sciences teamed up with the BYU Belonging and Diversity Committee to host a National Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Oct. 9.

The cultural festivity was located in the Wilkinson Student Center Garden Court and included a keynote speaker, a mariachi band, a cultural performance, Hispanic research project spotlights, dancing and churros.

The theme of the event was, If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving, based on Doctrine and Covenants section 136, verse 28.

Niwako Yamawaki, the associate dean of the College of Family, Home and Social Sciences, began her introductory speech by recognizing all of the aggression, contention and sadness that the US has recently faced. She said that although we are facing many challenges, the Lord still wants us to rejoice in the beautiful parts of our lives, including our unique cultures.

You are resilient, strong, warm, hospitable, deeply spiritual and family-loving individuals, Yamawaki said, speaking to the Hispanic attendees. Why don't we express our gratitude and joy to the Lord in uplifting ways, through music, dance and prayers.

The college then played a video picturing images of Christ to the song, I Know that My Redeemer Lives. When the song ended, students were free to eat churros and observe the Hispanic Research project posters.

Later on, the keynote speaker, Moises Aguirre, director of Multicultural Student Services, gave a speech about his experiences growing up in the Hispanic culture.

Aguirre said that he grew up in the vibrant, loud and spirited Mexican city of Tijuana. Dancing, friendship and food were instrumental pieces of his familys culture. He shared how every day his mother would make food for not only their family, but also the community members who were in need.

My mom knew that as we shared with others, when we had the little that we had, God was going to take care of us in the time of need, Aguirre said.

He shared that when he was 14 years old, his father came home from work with life-changing news. He announced that his family would move to California the very next morning in hopes of a better life.

Aguirre was devastated, but knew that his father was a man of faith and was following Gods will for their family.

Deep down, I also knew this was a chance for me to learn English, to get a better education and someday to take care of my parents who have done so much for me and my siblings growing up, said Aguirre.

Although Aguirre faced many hardships moving to California, he found a way to celebrate his Hispanic culture while also making new traditions in the US. He shared his traditional Mexican music, traditions, food and dances with his classmates and later joined a dance club at BYU, where he showcased his culture.

He finished his speech with an invitation to reflect on the richness of the Hispanic culture.

To reflect not just on the music and the food that we get to enjoy, but the values of family, the value of faith in community that defines us as children of God, Aguirre said. Let us remember where we come from. Honor those who came before us and continue to share the beauty of our heritage with the world."

After the speech, the mariachi band began to play, and a cultural dance was performed.

Kylee Haunga, a senior in the Belonging and Diversity Committee, shared why she believes BYU should hold cultural events on campus.

These types of events are really important to foster understanding," said Huanga.

She said by celebrating one another's cultures, we begin to see how much we actually have in common.

The College of Family, Home and Social Sciences and its Belonging and Diversity Committee hold events that promote belonging throughout the year. For more information, visit the College of Family, Home and Social Sciences website.