From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the nation celebrates National Hispanic Heritage month, a federally designated period to recognize the many contributions of the Latinx community. At CU Denver, it’s an exceptionally exciting time, with many opportunities to learn more about the diverse Latinx community that calls Denver home.
The monthlong observation falls starts in September and ends in October so that it coincides with the national independence days of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Chile, Belize, and Costa Rica.
CU Denver and its partners are hosting several opportunities on campus for you to learn more about the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Events, educational programs, cultural showcases, and lectures are scheduled throughout the month to encourage dialogue, cross-cultural connections, and to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the contributions, history, and traditions of the Latinx community.
Below is a sampling of the many events. We encourage you to check them out!
LatinX Student Alliance First Member Meeting
When: Sept. 13, 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Where: Student Commons, Room 200
What: The Latinx Student Alliance, a student-led organization that aims to unite Central and South Americans on the Auraria Campus and to create an inclusive and supportive community, will hold their first member meeting of the semester.
Denver’s Multicultural Business Series: The Hispanic Advantage: Why the Latinx Market is Pivotal to Your Organization’s Success
When: Sept. 14, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Where: 1475 Lawrence St., Rooms 1600/1601
What: The CU Denver Business School and XL Edge are proud to host Sindy Chapa, PhD, Director of the Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication at Florida State University (FSU). Sindy will discuss the power of influencer marketing and talk to new marketing and media trends in the Hispanic market. Learn how to interact and market to the second largest ethnic population in the U.S. by utilizing cultural values and Latinx influences. Find a link to register here.
Watch: Banda Filarmonica Sandunga de Santo Domino Tehuantepec Oaxaca
When: Sept. 14, 2 p.m.
Where: King Center Recital Hall
What: Banda Filarmonica Sandunga de Santo Domino Tehuantepec Oaxaca, a 25-person group of young people from Oaxaca, Mexico, who perform sounds and dances of the Tehuantepec and the Istmo of Tehuantec. This event is free and open to the public.
Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit
When: Sept. 14 and 15, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Emmanuel Art Gallery
What: A variety of works from Guatemalan artists will be on display and available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public.
Latina Fashion Week Colorado: Local Designers Fashion Show
When: Sept. 15, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Quad
What: An Oaxacan-inspired celebration of culture, diversity, and inclusion that features more than 20 local fashion designers. The event is a unique immersive experience that will showcase music, art, fashion, and gastronomy from Latin America. This is a ticketed event.
Latina Fashion Week Colorado: International Designers Fashion Show
When: Sept. 16, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Quad
What: This night of the Latina Fashion Week Colorado will feature more than 20 international fashion designers. This is a ticketed event.
Papagayo
When: Sept. 17, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Quad
What: A family event that connects participants beyond borders, beginning with a 5K run and followed with a day of music, dance, food, and culture. This event is free and open to the public.
Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off
When: Sept. 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Turnhalle
What: Come together with Community College of Denver, MSU Denver, and CU Denver to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month.
UndocuAllyship Training: Unidos for Undocumented Justice
When: Sept. 22, 9:45 a.m. – noon
Where: Student Commons Building, Room 2500A
What: Join the Center for Identity & Inclusion in gaining valuable insights on how to provide support, advocate for, and foster a sense of community for undocumented students. Participate in the CII UndocuAllyship Training: Unidos for Undocumented Justice, a program that will encourage participants to critically examine policies, laws, and actions affecting the experiences of undocumented students. This training is tailored for those in student-facing roles, including leaders, staff, faculty, and student employees. However, we extend a warm invitation to all members of the CU Denver community who are eager to learn about becoming an ally and co-conspirator for undocumented individuals. RSVP here.
HHM: Dr. Rudy Guevarra, Jr.: Aloha Compadre
When: Sept. 27, 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Multicultural Center
What: The Ethnic Studies Department, in partnership with the Center for Identity & Inclusion, Asian American Student Services, and Latinx Student Services, is excited to invite you to a discussion featuring Dr. Rudy P. Guevarra, Jr., Associate Professor of Asian Pacific American Studies at Arizona State University. Dr. Guevarra will be sharing insights from his latest book, Aloha Compadre: Latinxs in Hawai’i. This conversation will explore the significant cultural contributions of Latinx migration to Hawai’i before the events of annexation, territorial status, and colonization in 1959. Additionally, it will delve into the interactions between Asian and Latin American communities in Hawai’i.
CAP Lecture Series: Elisa Silva
When: Oct. 2, noon
Where: CU Denver Building, Second Floor Gallery or Zoom
What: Elisa Silva is a registered architect in Florida and in Venezuela and grew up between Venezuela and St. Louis, Missouri. She is the founder and principal of Enlace Arquitectura and Enlace Foundation, and she is also an associate professor at the Wolfsonian Public Humanity Lab and the Department of Architecture at Florida International University in Miami. Elisa will present a lecture titled, “Nothing Out of the Ordinary.” RSVP or find more information here.
It’s an Empanada Party!
When: Oct. 3, noon – 1 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Multicultural Lounge
What: CU Denver and MSU Denver will host Honduras-born and Colorado-raised, Chef Edwin Sandoval of Xatrucho Concepts as he leads participants through an empanada cooking class. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own empanadas and take a tour of Chef Sandoval’s food truck. RSVP here.
Latinx Mental Health Summit
When: Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jake Jabs Event Center
What: CU Denver’s Latino Research and Policy Center is hosting a summit that examines mental health needs in the Latinx community. The Denver Public Schools Student Voice and Leadership program and CU Denver’s Chi Sigma Iota graduate counseling student honor society are co-sponsors. The keynote speakers are Edil Torres Rivera from the American Counseling Association and Solicia Lopez, community organizer and CEO of RedSol consulting. The event is free, but space is limited. RSVP to save your spot by emailing Sofia Huston at sofia.huston@ucdenver.edu.