Latine Heritage Month
Bienvenidos! We are excited to celebrate Latine Heritage Month (also known as Latino/a/x or Hispanic Heritage Month) with you! Latine Heritage Month is observed annually throughout the United States from September 15 through October 15. It is a time to honor Latine cultures and communities and to celebrate the past, present, and future accomplishments and contributions of those who are part of the Latine community.
This year, our theme for Latine Heritage Month is “La Comunidad – Avanzando Juntos”. This theme highlights the importance of Latine community unity. Our practice of moving forward together is supporting one another in navigating systems of oppression. Avanzando Juntos is a metaphorical reminder of the importance of not forgetting where one comes from, as well as reflecting on the positive impact that intergenerational mentorship has for students, staff and faculty. The idea of looking back and extending one’s hand to upcoming generations is a practice of community, love, and recognition of family’s teachings.
Our care and support of the Latine community goes beyond the designated heritage month. We encourage you to continuously honor and celebrate Latine heritage throughout the year. Please visit our ESS ADEI website to find out more about how we support our Latine community and other communities.
A special thank you to the members of the Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee for the time, commitment, care, and work they have provided in organizing a month of events that celebrates and honors Latine heritage.
Latine (pronounced la·ˈ ti· ne) is a gender-neutral form of the word Latino, created by LGBTQIA+, gender non-binary, and feminist communities in Spanish speaking countries. The objective of the term Latine is to remove gender from the Spanish word Latino/a, by replacing it with the gender-neutral Spanish letter E. This idea is native to the Spanish language and can be seen in many gender-neutral words like “estudiante”. –callmelatine.com
Calendar of Events
MCC Lunch and Learns
Join us for a free lunch in the Multicultural Center (VU 735) on the 7th floor of the Viking Union at noon. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome.
Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship in the Latine Community
Tuesday, October 4 at Noon
A discussion led by Lucas Gutiérrez Senger, Senior Instructor College of Business and Economics and College of Fine and Performing Arts.
Celebrate National Coming Out Day with LGBTQ+ Western
Wednesday, October 11 at Noon
This is a time to come together and discuss the vulnerabilities and strengths that can be connected with "coming out". Often people immediately think of LGBTQ+ people coming out but coming out is connected to so many more identities!
Book Speaks Library Display
Wednesday, September 27
Engage with us through literature, events, and discussion as we celebrate Latine Heritage Month. Find a display of staff picks on books, literature, and authors near the Hacherl Research and Writing Studio in the Haggard Hall Library. These picks will be available from Western Libraries or found at libraries within our community for you to check out and engage with.
WWU Athletics - Latine Heritage Night
Thursday, October 5 at Harrington Field
Join us at Harrington Field for a doubleheader of WWU soccer as we celebrate Latine Heritage Month!
The defending National Champion Women vs. Central Washington at 4pm
Men vs. Seattle Pacific at 7pm.
Free admission for all students with WWU ID. Limited number of complimentary tickets for community members.
Enjoy fun activities and support fundraising efforts by Latine Student Union and Latinx Men in Higher Education. For more information, please visit WWU Athletics.
Student Showcase
Thursday, October 19 at 6-8 p.m. in the Viking Union MPR
Join us for music and dancing from our WWU students.
Skagit Valley College iDream Conference
Keynote presentation: Flipping the Narrative Existencia Alegre
Yosimar Reyes
Friday, September 29, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m at Skagit Valley College, McIntyre Hall
Free to attend and includes free lunch.
Free transportation available for WWU student, staff and faculty
Western student, staff, and faculty can register for free transportation to this conference. Free transportation is limited, and registration is required.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Wednesday, November 1 at WCC Syre Auditorium.
5-7 p.m.
Hosted by Whatcom Community College, this community event is free to the public. Enjoy music, food, dancing, activities and fun for the whole family.
Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee
- Miguel Acuna, Student Leader, Latine Student Union
- Arcelia Duran, Student Leader, Latine Student Union
- Nia Gipson, Coordinator, Black Student Coalition
- Jay Granados, Assistant Resident Director, Residence Life
- Lucas Gutiérrez Senger, Senior Instructor College of Business and Economics, College of Fine and Performing Arts
- Chelsea Joefield, Club Advisor & Program Manager, Ethnic Student Center
- Yasmin Lamas Flores, Student Leader, Latine Student Union
- Daisy Padilla Torres, Director of Access and Inclusion, Woodring College of Education
- Ayanna Phillips, Program Manager, LGBTQ+ Western
- Amy Salinas Westmoreland, Director of Multicultural Student Services
The History of Latine Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe Latine Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The observation of Latine Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. This month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Information provided by National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sponsors
- Office of Multicultural Student Services
- LGBTQ+ Western
- College of Fine and Performing Arts
- Woodring College of Education
- WWU Athletics
- Latine Student Union
- Latine Men in Higher Education
- University Residences
- Whatcom Community College
- Skagit Valley Community College