Annual Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month Marks 15 Years of Celebration

This year marks the 15-year annual celebration of Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month (LHHM) at Syracuse University, with events Tuesday, Sept. 15, through Thursday, Oct. 15.  This month provides an opportunity to learn about the history, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced to over 20 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) in collaboration with campus partners will host several events throughout the month that include lectures, performances, a documentary screening and panel discussion, exhibitions, and more.

“The campus community is invited to participate in the many events we have curated as part of LHHM that showcase the diversity among Latinx Americans and the many contributions to the United States. Under the umbrella of the All In? campaign, an effort by the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience’s Cultural Centers to promote the history of, solidarity with and intersectionality across identities and cultures, we encourage the University community to join us throughout the academic year in our celebratory months’ programs and events” says co-chairs of the LHHM Committee Jorge A. Castillo, director of the LGBT Resource Center and Marissa L. Willingham, program associate for budgets and operation of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “This year’s LHHM theme is All In: Affirming, Celebrating and Honoring the Afro Latinx Experience. Our theme this year is meant to explore the intersections of being both Black and Latinx through the work of artists, activists and educators as guest speakers and panelists. Amid the national dialogue on anti-Black racism and the Black Lives Matter movement’s demand for racial justice, we hope to contribute to the campus dialogue that centers and celebrates Blackness in our Latinx communities.”

With planning led by OMA, partners across campus will host events in honor of LHHM. OMA invites the campus community to visit the Community Events Calendar for a full list of events, details and registration information. Below are a few of the month’s keynote events:

Opening Ceremony
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, learn more about LHHM 2020. From lectures, to performances, art exhibitions and more, LHHM provides the campus and local community with a wonderful opportunity to reflect on, learn more about and experience the deeply rich traditions of Latinx and Hispanic cultures. Register today to join OMA and campus partners for the official kickoff of LHHM.

Alumni Speaker Series: Latinx for Black Lives Matter: Anti-Blackness and the Latinx Community
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Griselda Rodriguez-Solomon, Ph.D., will lead a dialogue around the way anti-Black racism has influenced Latinx racial consciousness in the U.S. Rodriguez-Solomon earned a Ph.D. in sociology from Syracuse University and is an author and professor.

“Negro: A Docu-Series About Latinx Identity”
On Friday, Oct. 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the campus community is invited to join a curated screening of “Negro: A Docu-Series About Latinx Identity” followed by a panel discussion on Blackness and Latinx Identity with filmmaker Dash Harris, educator and resource specialist Angeley Crawford Gibb, and Syracuse University Afro Latina students and alumni.

Guest Speaker: Our Bones Glow in the Dark: The Power of Storytelling in the Digital Space
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 7 to 8 p.m., the campus community is invited to join guest speaker Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca as he explores why storytelling is important to social justice movements and how those who tell stories record history. Through the lens of the Gran Varones project, attendees will reflect on how digital storytelling can be used to interrupt queer and trans antagonism, HIV stigma, anti-Blackness and racism, in order to build connection and community. Additionally, this interactive presentation will highlight the power of storytelling as a tool to amplify the experiences and history of Black Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals.

For more information, to find out how you can get involved or to request accommodations, please contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs by emailing oma@syr.edu or calling 315.443.9676.