In celebration of National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, CSU Stanislaus has put on several campus events to honor and commemorate the traditions, culture, and history of the Hispanic/Latinx community. 

Spanning from September 15 to October 15, this month is part of an effort to recognize the influence of Hispanic Americans on the culture and achievements of the United States. 

Some of the events that Stan State is hosting include a Latinx Poster Exhibit, a live performance from Mariachi singer Liliana Hernandez, a presentation by scholar-activist Dr. Gina Garcia, and games of lotería in Main Dining.

The Poster Exhibit is being put on by the Warrior Cross Cultural Center on the first floor of the Mary Stuart Rogers Building from September 15 to October 13, where students can read about spotlighted figures of Hispanic descent. 

Some of these Hispanic figures include Frida Kahlo, Ceasar Chavez, Luis Valdez, Gabriela Mistral, Sonia Sotomayor, Rudolfo Anaya, Jovita Idar, Sandra Cisneros, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, and Las Adelitas.

Their importance in history and heritage lies in many sectors: art, poetry, film, political activism, government, and their bravery in fighting for the Mexican Revolution. 

Ana Maria Veloz (Nursing and Psychology, Senior) shared what this month means to her as a person of Mexican descent living in the United States.  

“It’s a time to remember where we came from and to keep our culture alive, while also being thankful for the opportunities that we weren’t given in our native country,” said Veloz. 

Another event put on by the Warrior Cross Cultural Center in celebration was a Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Appreciation Game Night at the men’s and women’s soccer game on October 1.  

The event featured Mariachi singer Liliana Hernandez performing live music in a colorful folkloric skirt. The men’s game started at 11:30 a.m. and the women’s game started at 2:00 p.m. 

On October 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., students are welcome to attend a workshop and see Dr. Gina Garcia present a keynote address. 

Dr. Garcia’s research centers on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) and issues of equity and injustice in higher education. This is another event put on by the Warrior Cross Cultural Center. 

On Friday, September 29, students had the chance to eat lunch in Main Dining and play a few games of lotería, a traditional Mexican card game. This event will be held again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 7 at Main Dining. Students have an opportunity to win prizes and be entered into a raffle to win a bike. 

President of the Spanish Club, Rachely Galaviz-Meza (Spanish, Sophomore), shares how the club is celebrating. 

“We had a meeting where were celebrated and used our artistic skills to paint symbols and icons that might identify us here as our ethnicity,” Galaviz-Meza said. 

Galaviz-Meza explains that the club played lotería and celebrated along with the ethnic club.  

“I became president of the Spanish club because I want to promote the language here on campus,” Galaviz-Meza said, “We’re all in this together to promote our language, not only to Spanish speakers but also to people who want to learn Spanish.” 

Brisa Ramirez (Spanish, Junior), a student of Oaxacan descent, says that she stays in touch with her culture by speaking Spanish, dancing Folklorico, and continuing her family’s traditions. 

“I chose Spanish as my major because it is a beautiful language, and I would like to teach it to other people so that they can learn about the culture and learn to speak it as well,” Ramirez said. 

“In high school, I did three years of Folklorico, and I was able to dance different regions of Mexico, not just Oaxaca,” she added.  

National Hispanic Heritage Month lasts until October 15. Students of all backgrounds can show support by attending events in their community, visiting museums/exhibits, and consuming media that teach about the Latinx/Hispanic experience. 

Edited by Natalie Villanueva