As the tunes of Natalia Fourcade’s’ Hasta la Raiz and similar traditional music played in the background, Chicanx Programs offered students a staple of Mexican cuisine to alleviate the back-to-school spring semester distress on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 9 am.
The atmosphere was nearly perfect, with a rainy day paired alongside a hot bowl of pozole rojo and a cup of champurrado early in the morning provided by NMSU vendor, Alma’s Kitchen. Students took the time to visit Room 144 at Garcia Hall to warm up before starting their day.
“We got lucky to have this weather to offer students warm, comfort food,” said Rio Lopez, Director of Chicanx Programs.
Pozole is a Mexican soup or stew that consists of hominy and meat, usually meat or pork, that can have different variations like white, red and green. It is seasoned with oregano and chiles and served with a selection of condiments such as cabbage, chiles (peppers), onions, radishes and limes.
On the other hand, champurrado is a sweet, chocolate-based drink. It is made of flour which gives it its well-known thick consistency. It can be made with water or milk along with piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar) and can also contain cinnamon, anise seed, or vanilla.
These traditional cuisines were not the only food served at this event, however. To-go plates were also offered along with pineapple agua fresca and other accompaniments such as tostadas and a variety of vegetables. The Chicanx programs conference room was used as the setting for this intimate but heavily promoted event.
“It’s a really good event for students to get together for good food and to share resources with them,” said Paola Valdez, Student Clerical. Valdez also manages social media and makes sure that students are informed about all the events that Chicanx program has to offer.
The event, along with all others, is open to everyone. Students are advised to sign up to a Lat-List that notifies them of events via email that could interest them by Chicanx Programs or their affiliates.
Chicanx Programs is part of the Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EID) Initiative. NMSU’s new Office for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity centers on providing students and faculty/staff with assistance and opportunities to highlight and empower the underrepresented communities within the institution such as Black Programs, LGBT+ Programs, the American Indian Program, and Military and Veterans Programs. The lead goals center on equity through an intersectional program that can benefit and enable engagement.
“Through community building we get to students about events, scholarships, jobs, etc.”, said Rio Lopez. “We want students to feel welcome and seen. To have a sense of belonging because there is a multiplicity of identities and together, we create those opportunities.”
You can follow Chicanx Programs on Instagram or stop by their office to sign up for their Lat-List to keep up to date with the events planned for this semester.
Don’t forget to swing by Room 144 at Garcia Hall this upcoming February 14 for their San Valentin card-making event that will be packed with music, Mexican snacks and the chance to create a Valentine’s card for a friend or loved one.
