Hispanic employees celebrate Latino Heritage Month in TI

The taproom of Tiger Inn, usually occupied by undergraduates enjoying the weekend with alcohol and popular dance music, was, instead, alive with the sound of salsa and merengue music and the chit-chatter of the Hispanic attendees.

The party officially began at 8 p.m., but some people arrived later because some of the dining halls on and around campus in which they work close between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., leaving little time to go home and change.

The Latino Workers' Party, which is one of several events organized by the Latino Heritage Month Committee, is held to celebrate the efforts of the Hispanic employees who work in Princeton's residential colleges, eating clubs and the campus center.

Many attendees said they were enjoying their time at the party. Eliseo Vazquez, who prepares food at Cap and Gown Club, said he is treated well at the eating club and said "all is well" at the party.

Edwin Saravia, and a cook at Cap and Gown, said, "I like it," when asked about the party, and he said he is also treated kindly at the eating club where he works.

Noelle Grohmann '04, who is a member of the Latino Heritage Month Planning Committee, was one of several people who helped organize the party. Last years' Latino Workers' Party, which was also held at TI, received many good reactions, and Grohmann said she believes the purpose of this years' party is the same: to show appreciation for those people who "work hard to make things nice for [students]."

Tim Szostek '02, adviser to the Inter-Club Council, who was the main sponsor of the function, said the ICC was hoping to show "appreciation to workers" with a focus on Hispanic employees.

Patricia Fossas '03, president of Accion Puertorriquena y Amigos, helped plan the party and said "without [the ICC, the party] wouldn't be possible."

Rogelio Pier-Martinez, who is a member of the Chicano Caucus, said he hoped the Hispanic employees would "form social networks" to enjoy the place where they worked. Pier-Martinez said it was somewhat difficult to organize the event. It was necessary to go to churches, eating clubs, and other areas around Princeton to advertise the party. His goal was to hold a function where there was "no clearcut division between worker and partier."

Marcos Gonzales '04, who is a member of the Planning Committee, helped organize, as well as publicize, the event. Gonzales said he believes the Office of the Dean of Undergraduates was very supportive.

Toward the end of last year, students interested in this years' Latino Heritage Month, aired complaints and drew up a list of tentative plans. ODUS, together with the USG Projects Board, were willing to provide financial assistance for the Latino Workers' Party.

Still, despite the monetary aid, the Planning Committee had to seek help from other sources and was obligated to charge at the door at the Latino Heritage Month Inaugural Dinner held Friday, November 8 at the Carl Field's Center.

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Though the party ended early this weekend and the sounds of Latin American music no longer resonate on Prospect Avenue for the same purpose, more events such as a Nuyorican Poetry Slam, a Salsa Party, and Latino Mass, are scheduled for Latino Heritage Month. As for a recurrence of the Hispanic Workers' Party, which was a culmination of efforts from several organizations, Grohmann said it is likely to be held again next year at TI, the unofficial "home of the event."