Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month
Each year, from September 15th to October 15th, Governors State University (GSU) joins the nation to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, also known as National Hispanic Heritage Month. During this time, we highlight and show appreciation for the Latinx community’s rich history, heritage, and contributions throughout our nation.
The celebration begins in the middle of September to mark the national independence days in several Latin-American countries, including Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
In the U.S., the Hispanic population reached 60.6 million in 2019, up from 50.7 million in 2010, making Hispanics the nation’s second-fastest-growing racial or ethnic group after Asian Americans.
The growth and impact of the vibrant community are evident throughout the campus of Governors State, considered by the U.S. Department of Education as an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution committed to the academic achievement and retention of Latinx undergraduate students, who comprise more than 15% of the total student population.
This month, Jaguars are encouraged to participate in one or more of the many celebrations that offer opportunities to learn more about the Latinx culture and increase a sense of belonging through several activities on campus or throughout the Southland, state, and nation.
In the Chicagoland area, feel free to explore these cultural gems:
- Taste of Pilsen on Sept. 28
- A free music series at the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago.
- A Spanish-language play at the Aguijón Theatre. GSU Professor Rey Andújar wrote “La Gran Tirana,” a performance piece inspired by the life and artistry of La Lupe, the undisputed Queen of Latin Soul.
- The National Museum of Mexican Art Day of the Dead Exhibit. GSU is offering a free trip to the museum on Oct. 2.
- Check out Contratiempo Spanish-language cultural magazine based in Chicago
- Latinos Progresando - MEX Talks series, youth theatre program + other community services
At GSU, consider checking out Latinx books from the Library:
- “Pedro Páramo” by Juan Rulfo
- “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” by Gabriel García Márquez
- “How the García Girls Lost Their Accent” by Julia Alvarez
- “Dreaming in Cuban” by Cristina García
- “Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair” by Pablo Neruda
For university events, click here to learn more about campus programs honoring our Latinx community and the broad-based diversity it brings to the entire Jaguar family. Here, we value ethnic and cultural diversity as a strength demonstrating the excellence of our campus community.