Connective Issues: A UMass Chan diversity and inclusion blog

The Diversity and Inclusion Office, in collaboration with the Latino Medical Student Association, the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science and Happy Feet, is planning a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Albert Sherman Center multipurpose room. The event will honor the rich traditions and contributions of the Latinx community through an exciting evening of salsa and bachata lessons, cultural games and activities that showcase the lively spirit of Latinx culture and reflect the resilience, resistance and strength of the Latinx community. In advance of the event, read one community member’s reflection on salsa music, below. 

Hello everyone, and Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to you all! My name is Candice Brown, and I am originally from Queens, New York City – a mecca of cultures – and I was raised listening to and loving salsa music and dance all my life! The theme for 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”  

My experience: Growing up in a diverse community, salsa music was always present at high volumes in my neighborhood celebrations, friends’ homes and family gatherings. I loved to watch my aunts dance; they had such style, flare and passion. The energy and connections between the partners were a joy to watch – even as a child, I was fascinated, they shined so bright. It was also hilarious to see my father struggle (I take after my dad) but still have a great time with a huge smile on his face, doing the same movements he was most comfortable with all night. He insisted on being called Ra-Mone during these times. I have such great memories of them and him!  

Mambo King, the great Tito Puente’s 100th LP is my favorite salsa album from my childhood. We played the lines off that LP, and I still listen to this classic album. My favorite songs from the album are:  

Celia Y Tito – Album Version: https://youtu.be/sEyfpJMLPZE?si=au7ZNfZXEG7j51TL; Live Performance: https://youtu.be/05g_GeCGhU0?si=nZ4A2r6rErMiVybt 

El Bribon Del Aguacero featuring Ismael Miranda – Album Version: https://youtu.be/nOfkhdXcYJE?si=udFNCpE5qtHMQbSp ; Live Performance: https://youtu.be/yaErGGcVhhw?si=FSo8OV5Yit8pg1re  

To this day I am physically incapable of sitting still when I hear salsa or percussions and drums. I must dance or at minimum, move my body to the rhythm; it is a joyous movement, and I feel connected to my ancestors and with others who share the same roots or just the love of a music that evolved from a blend of African, Caribbean and Latin American influences.  

Last year, I took salsa dance lessons to feel connected to my aunts who have passed and share their love of dance with them. We were poor but we always had music (and good food) and the joys of rhythm that we shared as a family and community. Salsa and dance reflect our resilience and creativity as a people that face oppression and adversity, and resist any response to wither away but instead reassert and reaffirm our identity to celebrate the life we have despite all the challenges we face. I am proud and joyful to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with you all from various backgrounds, united by love of music and dance that transcends language or culture. Let this be a reminder that we have a common humanity – keep dancing! 

Candice Brown is a project management consultant at ForHealth Consulting and the Diversity and Inclusion Office at UMass Chan Medical School.