Northwestern students were treated to an evening of great entertainment this past Monday with the showing of the popular movie musical “In the Heights.”
The events of the night were organized through a partnership between NW’s Bridge Center and the Students Activities Council (SAC) to commemorate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to honor the culture, history and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans.
As a result, the Bridge Center has arranged several significant events during the upcoming weeks to raise awareness and bring the festivities to NW.
“The Bridge Center is known for international and intercultural development here on campus,” said Leo Costa, a junior currently serving as Communications Coordinator for the Bridge Center team.
“We’d love to get people of all different backgrounds together for events like this,” said Jesus Salcedo, who serves as president of the campus’s La Mosaic club. “We just hope it gives people a feel for something they are not quite used to.” La Mosaic is one of two student-led clubs, joined by the Intercultural Club, that support the Bridge Center’s call to acknowledge the importance of diversity.
“In the Heights” is a movie based on the 2008 Broadway musical written and composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“In the Heights” tells the story of the largely Hispanic and Latin neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. The film primarily focuses on the character of Usnavi de la Vega, portrayed by Anthony Ramos, as a bodega owner who dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic.
The movie celebrates the importance of family and culture in times of hardship through catchy songs and energetic dancing.
When asked her thoughts on the film shortly after it began, NW sophomore Brooke Bartscher positively stated, “The movie has been really good so far! The music really gives off Hamilton vibes.” Members of the Bridge Center team helped to complete the viewing experience by offering free bags of popcorn to the audience.
Upcoming events organized by the Bridge Center to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month include displays of “Cultural Heroes” across campus every Monday, a Q&A centered around immigration on Oct. 8, and Salsa Night on Oct. 11.
