NMSU to host 2024 Latinx Heritage Month events in September, October

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, which spans Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans, NMSU Latin American Programs will host several virtual and in-person events open to campus and the entire community. (NMSU photo by Derek Flodmand: Courtesy)

Source: NMSU News Release
DATE: September 10, 2024
WRITER: Tatiana Favela, tfavela5@nmsu.edu, 575-646-7953

New Mexico State University continues to recognize in the importance of upholding its designation as a Hispanic-serving institution by educating, spreading awareness, and taking pride in the university’s diversity.

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, which spans Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans, NMSU Latin American Programs will host several virtual and in-person events open to campus and the entire community. Latin American Programs has shifted from Hispanic to “Latinx Heritage Month” in alignment with the programs new name and ongoing efforts to increase inclusion and access for all identities. This choice reflects LAP’s commitment to addressing the limitations of traditional terms and to challenging the colonial/Eurocentric frameworks they may represent.

Upcoming Events

Indigenous Science: From Local to Global Context, by Jessica Hernandez: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Domenici Hall room 109
Sabores Salvadoreños: Pupusas by La Pupusona: From noon until supplies run out, Thursday, Sept. 19, outside Corbett Student Center Union
Voces: A panel by NMSU students, staff, faculty and community members: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Corbett Center Senate Chambers, followed by coffee and pastries in Garcia Center room 144
Undocu-Entrepreneurship Webinar by Immigrants Rising: 12 – 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2 via Zoom (To register: bit.ly/3Yimmigrant)
Salsa Tasting and Tour by the Chile Pepper Institute: 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at Fabian Garcia Research Center, 113 W. University Ave.
Jotx y Recuerdos Live Podcast: Documenting Queer Stories from the Border: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Corbett Center West Ballroom (RSVP to cgamex@nmsu.edu by Sept. 27 to have lunch during the event)
LACumbia Night Sonido Cachimbo Live: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Corbett Center Outdoor Stage (event is free and open to the public)

“Latinx Heritage Month is a special time to celebrate and learn about our culture, history, and traditions,” said Rio López, director of Latin American Programs. “For NMSU LAP, this month represents a significant achievement in our commitment to intersectional programming within the university, which is a designated Hispanic and minority-serving institution.

“We have organized a series of student-centered events that focus on community building, networking, and collaborating with local organizations,” López continued. “These events help create a vibrant and inclusive environment, ensuring that educational and cultural opportunities are accessible to everyone.”

López emphasized this year’s events will offer valuable learning experience for faculty, staff and the broader NMSU community, highlighting the importance of supporting all members of the community.

This includes welcoming Immigrants Rising to a virtual space for a workshop on entrepreneurship tailored specifically for undocumented, Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA), and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) students and community members; author talks in collaboration with American Indian Programs and other key NMSU departments; and the LACumbia Day event.

“Last year, the LACumbia Day event organized by the student council was a huge success, bringing people together to access resources, enjoy snacks, and dance to cumbia music. This year, we’re making it even bigger with a live concert by Sonido Cachimbo, a tropicumbia fronteriza band from Ciudad Juarez,” López said. “Their music celebrates the rich diversity of the borderlands and reflects the lived experiences of individuals across the Mexico-U.S. border.”

The celebration of Latinx culture extends beyond just one month, and honors Latinx identity year-round through various events, student groups, programming, and research. López said these initiatives are designed to be educational and engaging for individuals from all backgrounds, helping build a diverse and connected community.

“We are grateful to our students for their active engagement in sharing the types of events they want to see at NMSU. Their input is what makes our series unique and special each year,” López said. “This series aligns with the recent name change of our program, as it aims to target and represent audiences from diverse contexts, cultures and lived experiences.”

López added this year’s series of events was made possible by working closely with the Latin American Student Council, and more than 20 NMSU partners are co-sponsors of these events. For information on becoming a co-sponsor for this or future initiatives, contact López at aclopez@nmsu.edu.

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Levi Gwaltney

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