Happy Latinx Heritage Month! From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, our campus will be celebrating the individuality of Latinx culture, learning about the histories behind them and honoring the positive contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
It’s an important period meant for focused recognition, education, and celebration of the achievements of Latinx Americans.
According to the US Census Bureau, the observation of Latinx Heritage Month began in 1968 and was expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15 every year. Many Latin American countries — including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile — observe their anniversary of independence in mid-September, marking the month as a meaningful time to memorialize.
And with more than 60 million Americans self-identifying as Latinx, there is a lot to celebrate.
Starting on Sept. 15, the Latinx Cultural Center (LCC) will be hosting several events throughout the month-long period around campus in accordance with this year’s theme, “Amor y Salud.” The theme was created by the Latinx Heritage Month Planning Committee and embodies the values of the Latinx community, while also “toasting” to a new year of thriving together as we re-adjust to the school year.
Join the LCC at the New Student Welcome in the Multicultural Student Center Lounge at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. First-year and second-year Latinx students are encouraged to come to this kickoff event to meet LCC staff and other members of the Latinx UW Community! There will be food and prize. Check out the full calendar of events here.
You don’t want to miss “A Night with Curly Velasquez” on Oct. 8. Velasquez — the keynote speaker for Latinx Heritage Month — is an actor, content creator, and artist who celebrates all things Latinx and beautiful. Learn about Velasquez’s journey in the field of fashion and entertainment and current position producing content in Buzzfeed’s Latinx division. Let’s gather together as a community to celebrate all of Velasquez’s amazing accomplishments.
A special thanks to all the members of the Latinx Heritage Month 2021 Planning Committee — this celebration is because of you all.
The LCC will be following UW–Madison Covid-19 policy for all events. For questions or accommodations, please email latinxcc@studentlife.wisc.edu.