NE Campus students were given the opportunity to indulge in Latin American foods as a part of Hispanic Heritage month.

“Sabor Latino” took place in NSTU 1615A and drew many students from different backgrounds who were interested in the history of traditional Latin American dishes.

Associate professor of photography Patricia Richards shared photographs of her trip to Peru and encouraged the audience to visit the country if they ever had the chance.

“We absolutely cannot live in isolation,” Richards said. “The more we can learn about one another, the better it will be for the rest of the people who occupy the planet at the same time we do.”

NE world languages professor Humberto Rodriguez hosted the event alongside Richards and NE associate professor of history Peter Martinez.

Noting that the term “Latin culture” could include many countries from Spain to Italy to Brazil, Rodriguez wants students to know that Latin American influence is nearly everywhere.

“It’s important we know about Latin cultures so we don’t make silly stereotypes about these countries,” Rodriguez said.

Martinez told the audience the history of the food they were eating, which included Mexican, Puerto Rican and Argentinian cuisine. He asked the audience to look at pictures of certain foods and think of which holiday the food reminded them of, then explained that cultures are spread by human relocation.

“It’s good to know that Latin American culture is part of our past, present and future,” Martinez said.

NE student Erik Echevarria says he’s appreciative that the school puts on events like these.

“It gives students insight into other cultures,” Echevarria said. “Which is important because this is what TCC looks like.”