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Norma Ayala Ramirez, president of the Zeta Epsilon chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha and a senior at Syracuse University, experienced a tough transition attending the predominantly white institution after growing up in a Hispanic community. Her Latine sorority helped her regain confidence and reminded her she belonged.

“I now see other freshmen who might be in the same position I was in, and being that helping hand that says, ‘You deserve to be here,’” Ramirez said.

Night with NALFO, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, showcased an array of music, performances and presentations on Wednesday evening. Each organization highlighted its mission, history, requirements to join and initiatives to attendees in the Schine Student Center Underground. The event was a part of Latine Heritage Month events at SU that are running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Alhassan Bangura, vice president of NALFO and member of the Latine Heritage Month planning committee, said he deliberately aimed for the event to take place during the annual cultural observance.

Four Latine sororities and five fraternities held tables decked in paraphernalia, pamphlets, accolades and souvenirs representing each group’s history and core values. Ramirez said the event showed that Latine fraternities and sororities are a priority on campus.

As songs by artists like Bad Bunny, El Alfa and Meek Mill reverberated through the space, various organizations took to the stage, showcasing their talents. Each group performed dances affiliated with the Multicultural Greek Council, while other chapters cheered from the sidelines.

The members participated in strolling, a synchronized rhythmic dance traditionally performed by historically Black sororities and fraternities. Performers moved across the stage decorated in Greek letters, dancing to music genres like Dembow, Reggaeton, old-school hip-hop throwbacks and even creating their own beats.

National President of Lambda Theta Phi Jeffrey Chavez came to the event from Connecticut. He said this sense of community was absent during his undergraduate years at Central Connecticut State University.

“I think the culture of Greek life has changed a lot. To be honest, it was quite petty, with a lot of drama,” Chavez said. “There is now much more Greek unity and support among organizations.”

Henry Zhang | Contributing Photographer

Prospective members learn about various on campus Latine sorority and fraternity organizations at Night with NALFO. The event aimed to garner a community for students.

After information sessions and performances, organizations mingled with each other and potential members. Julianna Perez, a sophomore attendee, said she originally attended due to the event’s promotion but left with a greater understanding of each organization’s mission. Perez was drawn to groups addressing community service, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and violence against women, that are causes she personally cares about.

The event changed Perez’s perspective on what she previously thought about sororities and fraternities – that they primarily cared about party culture. She said the experience put to rest negative stereotypes she had associated with Greek life in general.

“We want our Latin-identifying individuals to feel safe, have a fun and welcoming environment, and find a place on campus where they can be themselves and build a community,” Bangura said.

Published on September 19, 2024 at 1:27 am

hroy02@syr.edu