UCCS celebrated Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month in a cumulation of events and programs to honor, learn and celebrate as a campus community.
“We care deeply about creating spaces that honor and celebrate the legacy and culture of our Latinx/Hispanic community,” said Rame Hanna, Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We look forward to continuing to uplift the voices of our diverse campus community and foster greater dialogues through an intersectional lens.”
Each year, Americans observe National Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Events included:
Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Event
Harrison High School Students group Ritmó y Sabor performed at the MOSAIC & LGBTQ+ Resource Center’s Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff and represented various Mexican dance genres ranging from traditional dance, huapango, norteña, and many more from other various Spanish-speaking countries. The Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff was also hosted the Latinx Student Union and UCCS’s very own Latina based Sorority.
DEI Munch & Learn Latinx Heritage Month
Julie Torres from the Women’s Ethnic Studies department spoke on the history, significance, and complexities of Latinx Heritage Month at the DEI Munch & Learn hosted by Office of DEI Education & Outreach.
Latinx Heritage Month Story Hour
The Office of DEI Education & Outreach and the Kraemer Family Library hosted the preschool class from the UCCS Family Development Center for a Heritage Month Story Hour. The young learners read stories and learned about Latinx heritage month and then complete a fun activity with the Latinx Student Union.
Undocumented Students Inclusive Belonging Spotlight Series
Ale Ruiz from MOSAIC & the LGBTQ+ Resource Center spoke at the Inclusive Belonging Spotlight Series on the importance of building awareness and advocacy for Undocumented students at UCCS.
Latinx Heritage Month Book Display
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Kraemer Family Library featured different books and movies in the third floor display case centered around celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. Texts included children’s literature pieces, graphic novels, young adult literature, and books from our main collection. DVDs were also included. Topically, the display was intended to include representation of a diverse array of Hispanic and Latinx stories, including works from Latina Feminists like Gloria Anzaldua and works about queer Latinx history. Several texts about Dia De Los Muertos were also included as we get ready to celebrate this holiday at the end of October-beginning of November.
To learn more about Latinx Heritage month through various resources like books, films, podcasts, local businesses and campus/community partners, view the Latinx Heritage Month Resource Page.