Hispanic Heritage Week was first implemented in 1968 by former U.S. President Lyndon Johnson to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens with ancestors who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South American. Twenty years later, the week expanded to a full 30 day period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Here are a list of events happening at Elon University:
Sept. 15
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off
Medallion Plaza
5 – 7 p.m.
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the independence of Mexico and the Central American countries.
HHM Trivia
Upstairs Lakeside
10:30 p.m. – midnight
Join the Student Union Board for a special Hispanic Heritage Month-themed trivia. For more info, contact @elonsub on Instagram.
Sept. 15 – Oct. 5
Diaper Collection
Bins located in Kernodle Center, El Centro, CREDE and the Francis Center
Diapers will be collected for the Dream Center, which is a hub of activity for the Latinx/Hispanic community in Alamance County.
Sept. 20
HHM-Themed College Coffee
Phi Beta Kappa Commons
9:40 – 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a special Hispanic Heritage Month Themed College Coffee with some popular Hispanic breakfast items.
Sept. 21 and Sept. 22
Perspectivas Series: From Surviving to Thriving
Lakeside 212
6 – 8 p.m.
Join a two-day series of presentations on current issues in the Latinx/Hispanic Community. This year’s theme will focus on community health and wellness.
Sept. 23
La Habana Night
Taphouse
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Wear your dancing shoes and enjoy Latin music, food, drinks and dances. Everyone is welcome, and entrance is free. Bring your Elon ID.
Sept. 25
Tarde Latina with Elon’s women’s soccer team
Rudd Field
1 p.m.
Join an afternoon of fun, music and soccer to cheer the women’s soccer team playing against Monmouth University.
Sept. 26 – Oct. 15
HHM book Display
Belk Library
Stop by the library to check out books written by Latinx/Hispanic authors and/or related to Latinx/Hispanic culture and history.
Sept. 29
Latino Open Mic: Déjame ContARTE!
The Oak House
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Come watch different performances by Latinx and Hispanic students at the annual open mic night. Performances will range from musical pieces to spoken word.
Oct. 4
Café con Leche with Friends: Painting Our Identities
Carlton 114
6 – 7 p.m.
A paint night will be hosted for those who want to learn more about the Latinx/Hispanic students on campus, create relationships and find support systems at Elon through the magic of art.
Oct. 5
“Sustainably Loving Ourselves Through Intersectional Environmentalism” with Isaias Hernandez
Upstairs Lakeside
7 – 8 p.m.
Intersectional environmentalism is an inclusive approach to environmentalism that looks into advocating for the people and the planet simultaneously. Isaias Hernandez will share their journey as a young, LGBTQIA+ and brown environmentalist in pursuit of pushing forward climate literacy and building sustainable love.
Oct. 6
Diaper Distribution at Dream Center
The Dream Center
3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For students looking for an easy way to try out service at Elon this fall, the Kernodle Center offers a program called Get on the Bus. One opportunity for students will be to assist with the local City Gate Dream Center’s diaper distribution in surrounding communities.
Oct. 11
Latinx/Hispanic Identity Panel: Who Are We?
Lakeside 214
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Learn about the complexity and intersectionalities of Latinx/Hispanic identities. There will be a panel formed by Elon students, faculty and staff that identify as Latinx/Hispanic.