Silence filled a crowded room in Gasson Hall on Friday night as colorful flags and golden balloons lined the front of the room. Students and faculty bowed their heads as Yvonne McBarnett, director of the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center (BAIC), led a prayer to begin the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month celebration. McBarnett’s prayer kicked off a lineup of speakers and performances to commemorate the first day of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.