A previous version of this story identified HLSA as the Hispanic Student Association. It has since been changed to reflect the correct title.
UF’s Hispanic Latine Student Association hosted a Museum Night on Wednesday at La Casita and the Institute of Black Culture, celebrating the organization’s 40-year legacy and honoring the history, contributions and presence of the Hispanic and Latinx community on campus.
“The main purpose of tonight is really just to educate and inform people about the history of the Hispanic Latinx community here at UF and in the state of Florida,” said 22-year-old Matthew Urra, a UF political science senior and president of HLSA. “It's something that I don't think we've ever done before.”
In light of recent legislative changes, the organization has experienced a loss of resources and programming on campus, Urra said. These changes are tied to the elimination of state funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at Florida’s public universities, which has affected many cultural and identity-based groups across campus. As part of an effort to begin preserving and documenting their history, HLSA members decided to bring that vision to life through a museum night. The club members curated nine different exhibits exploring the organization’s legacy — from oral histories and the founding of UF’s cultural institutes to interactive community art displays.
Among the exhibits was a collection of informative talks offering insight into the personal journeys and cultural roots of Hispanic-Latinx people, where participants shared not only their experiences at UF and involvement on campus but also their upbringings, cultural backgrounds and family stories.
Rafael Solórzano, a UF assistant professor at the Center for Latin American Studies, spoke about social movements by highlighting the Trail of Dreams — a 1,500-mile walk from Miami to Washington, D.C., organized in 2010 by four Miami Dade College students to advocate for undocumented migrants.
The march included stops at churches, homes, campuses and community centers, where the walkers engaged with local groups and spoke to the media. The protest challenged the inaction of former U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. Congress on immigration reform. Solórzano also shared photos and stories from the Trail’s stop in Gainesville, including actions at UF’s Plaza of the Americas and a rally at Hurley Hall, which is now the site of Midtown Apartments. He emphasized how the Trail of Dreams brought hope to migrant communities and rooted activism in local and regional history.
“Today's museum Day is a memory movida, because it sets out to document and to celebrate UF Latinx history collectively,” he said. “By celebrating this at this particular moment, here in Gainesville, across UF, in the state of Florida, in the United States, it is an active stance of refusal, a refusal to be erased from this campus.”
In addition to talks and exhibits, the event also offered festive activities, with bachata and salsa dance classes led by Ascendance and Gator Salsa. Lively music echoed throughout the building, creating an energetic atmosphere that drew in attendees. Guests also gathered around to enjoy a spread of different snacks and finger food, adding warmth and flavor to the night’s celebration.
Beyond dancing and celebration, the night also carried a deeper sense of purpose. Through the music and movement, there was a meaningful expression of pride — a reminder of the value in celebrating culture and staying connected to community, especially during difficult times.
“I think it's hard to celebrate with all the things that are happening, it's really overwhelming,” said 21-year-old Imani Sanchez, a UF political science and international studies senior and the HLSA executive director of the office of political affairs. “I really did want to make an event that celebrated culture, and this also is an act in itself, to be like, ‘We're still here, we're still going to be here, and we're going to be proud of who we are.’.”
The 40th anniversary celebrations continue throughout the week, with more events highlighting the legacy and impact of HLSA. On Thursday, the organization is hosting a screening of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program’s documentary The Making of La Casita, which explores the origins and significance of UF’s Institute of Hispanic-Latinx Cultures. The week will conclude with a Friday ‘Noche de Gala,’ an awards ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of HLSA members and the broader hispanic community over the past year.
Contact Gabriella Chavez at gchavez@alligator.org. Follow her on X @gabriellach19
Gabriella Chavez is a senior journalism major and Spring 2025 Caimán reporter. Whenever she's not writing, you can find Gabriella reading, creating playlists or playing with her cat.
