More Than A Dance: Salsa Club at University of Washington Fosters Community
“As someone who’s part Colombian, and I never learned how to salsa before, I feel much more connected to that side of my family,” one club member said.
“As someone who’s part Colombian, and I never learned how to salsa before, I feel much more connected to that side of my family,” one club member said.
“I’ve just grown to love … creating a space for Latine students of all countries,” said Denice Melendez-Macin, co-president of the organization.
For many of its members, Omega Delta Phi gave them an opportunity to build community.
“It’s been hard to find places where I see people who look like me,” said Javi Tapia, a bookseller at a local bookstore in Seattle.
“We like to empower people,” brewery co-owner Tommy Ransom said.
“Our community is at the best it’s ever been, period,” said drag performer Queen Andrew Scott.
“It is not something dark, but a way to stay close to family, culture, and home and to make a community,” said Edgardo Garcia, a festival committee member.
The non-profit organization helped Mexican immigrant mothers like Guadalupe G. Contreras find community and “break barriers.”
“I want the stories I tell to be about the people who made the brave decision to challenge the status quo,” said Cardenas about joining the Latino News Network.
“They learn to put effort into everything in life. They know that if they put in effort, they will come out on top.”
A place for Spanish speakers and students to immerse themselves in the language and Spanish culture.
Nearly 15 percent of Washington identifies as Latino, but according to Pepe, the cultural grants given out by Washington state to artists are not distributed evenly across demographic groups