To kick-off Latinx Heritage Month at Cal State LA, the Cross-Cultural Center collaborated with the University Library and other departments in hosting a reception on Sept. 12 in the library’s new reading lounge to spotlight the many upcoming events throughout September and October. Attendees enjoyed coffee and snacks while browsing the library’s monthly selection of works from Chicanx and Latinx authors on display.
“It is an important opportunity to celebrate and recognize the many contributions that our Chicanx Latinx students, staff, and faculty have,” said University Library Dean Carlos Rodriguez.
Speakers at the reception presented statistics on how Cal State LA is helping Latinx students through STEM programs. Professors also discussed their approaches when it comes to teaching and maintaining student engagement.
Cal State LA is a Hispanic Serving Institution, which means 25% or more of its student population consists of Latinx students. According to student demographics, approximately 75% of students identify as Hispanic.
Students and faculty have a lot to look forward to during September through late October. Here is a look at some of the events on the horizon.
Sept. 28: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Robert L. Douglass Speech and Language Clinic, the “Elevando Nuestras Voces: Conoce Nuestras Clínicas” event showcases the audiology and speech clinics, and will feature activities like bilingual readings, a selfie room, live music and a recipe sharing station.
Oct. 1: RSVP “Latinx Heritage Month Arte y Folklorico” at 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the U-SU plaza. This event will have a performance by the group Folklorico de Águilas, and art with Sandy Garcia.
Oct. 2 to Oct. 3: The premiere of “Celebramos” at the U-SU Outdoor Plaza. This stage production will feature the poetry of Puerto Rican Poet Luis Pales Matos with music inspired by traditional Puerto Rican and Cuban music.
Oct. 4: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Student Services Building, “EOP/Latinx Heritage Month” will feature things like games, arts, treats and prizes.
Oct. 8: From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., “Game Night! – Loteria” takes place in the University Library Innovation Hub. Loteria is a traditional Mexican board game that plays similar to bingo.
Oct. 9: At 6 p.m., the Chicana/o Latina/o Student Resource Center will host “What’s The Vibe: Chisme Time Series – Joteria (Queer Chicanx/Latinx) Symposium.” This monthly series will discuss current events in the Latinx community and is open to all students.
Oct. 10: This day features three events. From 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. at the Music Recital Hall, “Mexican Music Traditions in the Concert Halls,” discusses the concert traditions of Mexico. At 6 to 7:30 p.m., the “Chicanx Latinx University Alumni Mixer” will be a chance for students, staff and faculty to connect. The final event taking place will be at the Library Community Room, called “Teach Central America Week: Preserving Legacy and Culture in LA.” This event is focused on art from Dora Magaña and Ricardo O’Meany. This will feature a tour of various artworks and archives.
Oct. 14 to Oct. 16: “Sounds of the Underground Series,” a three-day research symposium focusing on music from L.A. musicians, art, photography and presenting photo portraits and oral histories of music in the Latinx community.
To learn more about Cal State LA events during Latinx Heritage Month, visit calstatela.edu/diversity/latinx-heritage-month-cal-state-la.
This article was first published in the September 26 print edition of the University Times.
