The Martin Luther King (MLK) Center hosted “La Carne Asada” as an opportunity for students at the University of Kentucky to learn about and celebrate Latin culture.
Organizations like the Latino Student Union (LSU) attended the event on Wednesday, Sept. 24, to recruit students, displaying a board that explained their mission.
Jonathan Gordillo, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was one of the LSU members involved in the event.
Gordillo said he wanted “La Carne Asada” to provide a space for Latin students to feel a sense of belonging.
“The Latino Student Union is basically the largest Hispanic/Latino organization on campus here at UK,” Gordillo said. “We all plan events catered towards the needs and wants of active members.”
Gordillo said that he appreciates events like “La Carne Asada,” which also attract students who don’t have a Latin background.
“It’s always really nice to try new things. I’m not surprised that there’s, you know, all types of people here, just because we all love music, community and sharing,” Gordillo said.
Jennifer Maldonado, a senior majoring in computer science, said she was motivated to participate in the event as an opportunity to celebrate her culture.
“I love it, because I feel like there isn’t many, unless it’s like, hosted by the Martin Luther King association or the Hispanic club,” Maldonado said.
Maldonado said she thinks events like “La Carne Asada” are essential for students to be exposed to different cultures.
“Very valuable, because I feel like we need more diversity, more events that offer diversity to so, that’s amazing,” Maldonado said.
Joshua Gonzalez, who owns the bakery La Pana Bakery y Cafe in Louisville and is a first-generation Kentuckian born to Mexican parents, helped run the event.
Gonzalez works with an organization called Tumbao Collective, which teaches dance. This organization is how Gonzalez got connected to “La Carne Asada.”
“We curated the dance lesson and demonstration of the event so we did a salsa piece and a bachata piece,” Gonzalez said. “I think, for folks in the Latinx community, I think it’s important to know about our roots and where we come from and continue to celebrate our traditions.”
