Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) kicks off today with a series of cultural events, lectures and performances honoring the contributions of Latino communities. The university will host activities through Oct. 15, highlighting traditions, history and student voices across campus.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, HHM honors the history, culture and contributions of those with Hispanic and Latino ancestry. The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded to a month in 1988.
The dates were chosen to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries. Some of these countries include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile.
The month recognizes the achievements of both Hispanic and Latin Americans in fields such as arts, science, politics, education and business.
Schools, government agencies and cultural organizations across the U.S. host events, performances, educational programs and community celebrations for its observation. Leaders encourage Americans to reflect on the diversity and influence of Hispanic communities in shaping the nation’s history and culture.
At Fresno State, celebrations started early. The first event was held on Sept. 11, which was a Latin dance night outside of the Resnick Student Union (RSU).
However, the first event that falls within the month is Meet Your Pueblo, a connecting event for students and a general celebration of Latino culture.
On Sept. 17 Fresno State will put on La Bienvenida, a tradition according to the school’s website. The event acts as an opening to the month, where students can find resources and other events throughout the month and is presented by the Latina/o Faculty and Staff Association.
The next day, Sept. 18, is Raíces y Futuro: Latino Student Activism Then, Now and Beyond, a lunch-and-learn session featuring Vanessa E. Garcia, Leonor Aburto and Fernando Racimo in the Resnick Student Union, Room 214. Speakers will reflect on the history of Latino student activism, examine current voices on campus and discuss the future of organizing movements.
On Sept. 23, students will gather for Paws & Pans, a cooking class that explores new approaches to traditional foods. The workshop focuses on quesadillas and taquitos, with ingredient bags available for participants who cannot attend in person.
Then on Sept. 24, students can show their creativity at Tied Together, a tie-dye event at the Memorial Gardens where they can make HHM-themed shirts.
The program also includes Máscaras y Machismo, a discussion circle designed to engage Latino men in conversations about culture, identity and masculinity. Marcos Rosas will lead the first session Sept. 30, followed by Juan Herrera on Oct. 14. Organizers said the series offers students an opportunity to reflect, share and connect through open dialogue.
On Oct. 13, the campus will recognize Indigenous Peoples Day with a screening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which has a Mexican-Indigenous actor, Tenoch Huerta, as the co-star. The event, set for 5 p.m. in the Resnick Student Union lounge, will include a critical discussion on the film’s portrayal of Indigenous identity.
All events are free and open to the public and put on by Fresno State’s Cross Cultural and Gender Center. These events are open to all and if students need accommodations or have questions, they can call 559.278.4435 or email [email protected].
