Posted September 25, 2019
Latino students at UW-River Falls are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15. The Latinx Student Organization, as well as the university, have planned several events for students.
Hispanic Heritage month is “a recognized timeline in the United States government where there is the promotion of celebrating Hispanic cultures, or what is typically considered Latinx cultures,” said Martin Olague, director of the Center of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. According to the Library of Congress, the observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It eventually expanded under President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to a full month.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latinx Student Organization has scheduled an Aztek dance performance at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Kinnickinnic River Theater on the third floor of the University Center.
“We’re inviting some Aztek dancers,” said Carmela Torres Leon, president of Latinx Student Organization. “They are coming over to have a 45-minute performance. They will also talk about why they are doing what they do and what it means to have this kind of dance.” Torres Leon said Chartwells will cater the event with Hispanic dishes.
To further recognize the month, the Center of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging has organized a performance called “Los Valientes.” It is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Abbott Theater in the Kleinpell Fine Arts Building.
“The performance not only deals with Mexican-American culture, but it also features other regions,” Olague said. “There’s so many people that have really helped shape this country and where we’re at. I hope we can do something in the future at least highlighting these people. Something to let people know that this a month that we have, and these are the people that represent that.”
Olague said the events for Hispanic Heritage Month are worthwhile resources for all students and he encourages them to attend.
The article may be found online at https://uwrfjournalism.org/2019/09/uwrf-marks-hispanic-heritage-month-with-performances/.