Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Arkansas State University is celebrating Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month beginning today (Sept. 15), with events and programming through Oct. 14.

”Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the richness of Hispanic and Latine cultures, honor their stories and traditions which connect us, and recognize the strength found in community,” said Dr. Latika Johnson, director of multicultural affairs at A-State.  

Committee members organize and plan Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month programming.

The committee includes the Hispanic and Latino Faculty and Staff Association; Hermana Y Hermano (HYH); the Beta Xi Chapter of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Incorporada; the Multicultural Center; the Student Activities Board (SAB); Always Jonesboro; Jonesboro Unlimited; and El Centro Hispano.

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The committee, made up of dedicated volunteers, is eager to share its traditions and cultures with the campus community.

“This year, we celebrate with the spirit of Unidos Somos Más (together we are more) by inviting our campus and the Jonesboro community to explore, connect and engage through the many activities and events planned throughout the month. When we come together to learn from one another, celebrate our shared experiences, and embrace our differences, our voices are stronger and our impact is greater,” said Johnson. 

Below is a list of programming to mark Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month:

A kickoff celebration will begin at 11 a.m. today (Sept. 15), in the food court of Reng Student Union. Enjoy the festivities, connect with the A-State community, and discover what’s happening throughout the month.

Nuestras Raíces, which means roots, will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. this evening, in Centennial Hall of Reng Student Union. Through food, music, activities and community, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with and celebrate the many cultural influences, histories, traditions, stories and shared experiences connecting Hispanic and Latino communities. Hosted by the Student Activities Board, Hermana Y Hermano (HYH), and the Multicultural Center.

Meet Me at the MC: Unidos, Somos Más will take place from 12 – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the Multicultural Center in Reng Student Union to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and experiences that bring all together.

Puertas al Futuro: Opening Doors to Opportunity will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at El Centro Hispano. It will bring the community together for meaningful conversations about community, language, and identity. Celebrate the richness of Hispanic and Latino backgrounds, challenge stigmas, and create space for honest conversations, shared experiences, and greater understanding. This event is open to the public.

Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month information tables can be found from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the food court of Reng Student Union, on Sept. 21, 28, and Oct. 5 and 12. The information tables will have activities, schedules and information on ways to get involved.

Entre Nosotros brings students and Hispanic and Latino professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders together for meaningful conversations about careers and life beyond the classroom. Connect, ask questions and gain insight from professionals at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the Multicultural Center in Reng Student Union. This is open to the public.

Unidos Somos Más: Spin. Share. Unite. invites the campus community to celebrate the cultures, stories, and experiences that bring everyone together. Stop by from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Reng Student Union food court to spin the wheel, share perspectives and connect with the A-State community. 

Caliente Conversations will bring the heat for Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, with spicy conversations about culture, life and education with a side of salsa, queso and musical bingo. This is open to the campus community from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, in Centennial Hall in Reng Student Union, and is hosted by HYH, the Student Activities Board, and Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc., Beta Xi Chapter.

Songs and Stories: Nuestras Voces at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Grand Hall of Fowler Center, for an evening celebrating the rich traditions, histories, talents, and voices of Hispanic and Latino communities through the power of music and storytelling.

La Gozadera is turning up the energy from 7 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at The Lounge at Huntington Square, for a special Latin night celebrating Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. The event is open to the public and will feature a night of music, dancing, and a DJ to keep the celebration going.

Get ready to play, celebrate and shout ¡Lotería! at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Centennial Hall of Reng Student Union. Lotería Night will include an evening of friendly competition and prizes. This event is open to the public and is hosted by HYH and Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc., Beta Xi Chapter.

¡Vamos a bailar! will kick off at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Health, Physical Education and Sport Science (HYPESS) building, room 301. This event is open to the public and serves as a wrap-up to Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. Attendees can learn basic Latin dance steps while enjoying music and dancing the night away.

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