September 15th marked the beginning of the nationally recognized Hispanic Heritage Month. This a time for people of the Hispanic and/or Latino diaspora to celebrate their heritage and recognize historical figures who have made major contributions to their culture and American society. Here at NC State, the month is titled “Latinx Heritage Month” to be more inclusive of those who are gender neutral and/or strictly identify as Latin.
This year’s theme for Latinx Heritage Month is Sueños y Cuentos—dreams and folk tales—and the goal, according to the Multicultural Student Affairs website, is to empower Latinx students to share the “dreams and the folk tales of our families and continuing the traditions while being college students at NC State.” Many of the upcoming events are centered on the theme of sharing stories from the past and dreams for the future.
Here are a few of those events:
Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off
Thursday, September 21
Talley Student Union | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The beginning of Latinx heritage month is being marked by the Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off. This will be a time for fellowship and learning about more events that will occur throughout the month.
Mi Familia: Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off
Thursday, September 21
Tucker Owen Beach | 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Latinx Heritage Month Cookout is being hosted by Mi Familia along with various other Latinx student organizations. The menu will feature some traditional Latin cookout cuisines as well as some American classics. The event is free.
Latinx Heritage Month Keynote Featuring Buzzfeed’s Curly
Thursday, September 27
Witherspoon Cinema | 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Curly is most known for his role as a member of the Pero Like team at Buzzfeed. Pero Like is a web show that highlights the complexities of being Latin American. Curly will come to NC State and speak on some of these complexities as our Latinx heritage month keynote speaker. The event is free and open to the public but you must RSVP.
Juntos Reading Night
Thursday, October 11
D.H. Hill Library | 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Juntos is an organization that advocates for young Latinx students to receive a university education. This event will align with the organization’s efforts to provide opportunities for education to children of the Latin diaspora.
Cafe Con Leche: Open Mic Night
Monday, October 15
Location TBD | 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
This event is in collaboration with the Women’s center and Lamda Pi Chi.
Salsabor: Mi Familia’s 16th Annual Celebration
Saturday, October 20
Witherspoon Student Center, Washington-Sankofa Room | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
A night full of dancing to celebrate Mi Familia’s 16th anniversary on NC State’s campus.
