Fiesta, film screenings, dancing and more celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 at Western | UMM News

The first El Grito celebration took place on campus in 2021. This year, it will close out Hispanic Heritage Month on Friday, October 13.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University will celebrate Latino culture and the richness it brings to the campus community with a variety of events throughout Hispanic Heritage Monthwhich goes from Friday September 15has Sunday October 15.

“It’s a month of celebration,” says Noemi Méndezpresident of the university Multicultural Greek Council. “Latino culture is very vibrant. It’s full of love and family, it’s full of happiness and joy. When I think of my culture, I think of dancing and good food. I think of people who come together and be one big family, really. have that deep connection.

Hispanic Heritage Month was initially observed federally as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. It was extended to one month in 1988 and has since been celebrated across the country to recognize diverse cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of American Latinos.

Western’s Latino Student Alliance will kick off the month with a week of events beginning Monday September 18which include a bake sale, quiz night, pro-immigrant rally and Latin dance classes.

“I hope individuals can come and feel like they’re part of something special,” says Joana Zuniga, president of the Latin American Student Alliance. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time when we, as a people, can break free from our everyday norms and express ourselves as we truly are. It is also a way for Hispanics to connect with each other, even if we don’t have the same origins.”

The Greek Multicultural Council partners with the University Migrant Assistance Program (CAMP) for a Latinx Fiesta to close out the first full week of Hispanic Heritage Month on Friday September 22, at the Goldsworth Valley Pond lookout. There will be Fiesta Burrito food, a piñata, a DJ, a bounce house and more. The event will also be supported by the Latinx Employees Association in collaboration with the Provost’s Office.

“Hosting these types of events helps students create connections; it’s like a home away from home,” says Mendez. “We are very excited about this event and we hope that it will be something really huge and that everyone can enjoy it.”

The Latino Student Alliance will close out the month with its annual El Grito celebration, which includes music, food, a fashion show and more. Details are still being worked out, but the event is scheduled for Friday October 13.

A MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, a variety of other events and celebrations are planned around campus to highlight Latino culture and history. THE Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Seita Scholarship Program and the King Chávez Parks guest professor program will bring Ovidili Vasquezwho worked in the sugar cane fields of Central America, earned his college degree and became a best-selling author, to Sangren Hall for a keynote address and conversation about Wednesday September 27.

The WMU Libraries have compiled a number of Online Resources and is also creating a book exhibit for Hispanic Heritage Month in the Waldo Library. It will include book recommendations from members of the Latinx Employees Association.

The employee group is also partnering with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of the Provost to host a special screening of “First Voice Generation,” a documentary produced and directed by Western alumnae. Cynthia Martinez, BA’06. The film highlights the stories of Latinx students who are part of the TRiO Upward Bound program and their families.

The diversity of events planned for Hispanic Heritage Month promotes belonging and connection within Western’s Latinx community, Zuniga says, while also inviting the broader campus community to learn more about their culture. “With so many Hispanic organizations on campus, it is important that we as a university celebrate what makes our campus unique.”

“This is a time to celebrate (Latino culture) because students who become future leaders – future lawyers, future doctors, future teachers – can be proud of their culture, wherever they end up, and see that their heritage is celebrated on campus,” adds Méndez.

She also hopes the events will encourage other students to get involved in on-campus organizations like the Latino Student Alliance and the Multicultural Greek Council. “Our organizations really help you become a leader and develop professionally. You learn a lot of skills, you network with a lot of people. A lot of people in our organizations are leaders, changemakers and they are very passionate about it. subject of things.”

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