(Photo by: Ariadne Alarcon)

JCCC hosts a diverse student body on campus, and it’s shown through the many clubs and associations around campus. Some of these clubs’ only requirements are to be a JCCC student, and they hope you’ll join to learn more about their culture. Latinos Unite Now and Always, also known as “LUNA,” is one of these clubs.

“You don’t have to be Latino to join–you could be anything and you can still join the club. We love to see anyone, and we love to see diversity in our club,” said Diego Melgoza, the secretary of LUNA.

LUNA works to support Latino communities around Kansas City by raising money and volunteering. Last October, they hosted a fundraiser called Cambio Para Cambio (Change for Change) for the Hispanic Development Fund, which provides financial assistance to Latino students in the metro. LUNA raised $14,675 through this fundraiser.

“My favorite thing about LUNA, I would say, [is] our mission, but it’s really just new people [and] new friends I’ve met. I’ve met a lot of new friends within my community,” Melgoza said.

Recently, LUNA hosted a Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on campus, which allowed students to try new foods, get face paint and view a Dia De Los Muertos altar. This was a connection building opportunity on a sacred holiday for students on campus to learn about different cultures that are very present on campus.

LUNA meets bimonthly on Mondays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in MTC 232, and any JCCC student is welcome to join during meetings.

“We love to share our culture, especially with those who aren’t familiar with Latino culture,” Melgoza said.

To stay up to date with LUNA, students can scan the QR code on posters spread around campus. These will bring you to a GroupMe where recaps and important information pieces are posted. You can also follow LUNA on social media @Lunajccc.