Saint Mary’s Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month is here! Each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Saint Mary’s community comes together to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of Latin American people in the United States. Over the next 30 days, Latinx clubs and organizations will host a variety of events where all are welcome to engage with Latinx cultures, learn about issues affecting Latinx communities, and celebrate diversity on campus.
Ballet Folkorico Guadalupano (BFG) will kick off Latinx Heritage Month with a Piñata Contest fundraiser on Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 1 to 2 p.m., in Dante Quad. All are welcome to take a swing at a piñata for $1 per hit, $5 for six hits, or $10 for 13 hits. Funds will go toward purchasing BFG’s dresses and supporting its performances.
La Hermandad will host Lotería Game Night in the Intercultural Center on Friday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m., in collaboration with Hermanas and BFG. Lotería—Spanish for “lottery”—is a traditional game of chance also known as “Mexican bingo.” Join the Latinx student clubs for an evening of fun, snacks, and community building.
La Hermandad and Hermanas will also host their regular bi-weekly meetings in the Intercultural Center throughout Latinx Heritage Month and the semester. For more information on club meetings, check the Intercultural Center’s calendar on its website.
Looking to practice self-care this Latinx Heritage Month? Brother Camillus will offer in-person guided meditation for students, staff, and faculty on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the Chapel. Both sessions will be in the Brother’s Chapel to the left of the altar. Vaccination is mandatory in order to attend.
The Afro-Latinx/Latinx/Indigenous People’s Action Subcommittee (ALLI-PAS) of the College Committee on Inclusive Excellence (CCIE) will conclude Latinx Heritage Month with their third Annual Heritage Celebration Symposium on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The symposium will include educational workshops with grassroots activists, art and music, and opportunities to build community. After hosting the previous year’s symposium online and winning Virtual Program of the Year, ALLI-PAS members look forward to reuniting on campus and continuing their work of reimagining what it means to be Latinx and be in solidarity with other marginalized groups.
More information and details on the ALLI-PAS Heritage Celebration Symposium can be found on the CCIE website. For information on getting involved with ALLI-PAS, contact Professor Alicia Rusoja (arr9@stmarys-ca.edu).