Dear Loyola community,
Each year we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring and highlighting the diverse culture, heritage, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino/a/x/e communities throughout history.
September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21 respectively.
This year’s national theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” The theme encourages us to ensure that all voices and dialects are equally represented and embraced to build stronger communities leading to a stronger nation.
Loyola’s commitment to Hispanic and Latino/a/x/e inclusivity and achievement was made evident recently by Excelencia in Education naming us an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. In keeping with our 2020 Strategic Plan, Courage and Creativity, we remain committed to furthering our work that embraces this status.
To celebrate the month, the Hispanic Music Appreciation (HMA) organization, the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), the Hispanic/Latinx Law Student Association (HLSA), Latin America Studies, the Latin Media Representation class, the Women’s Resource Center, Student Life and Ministry, and the Office of Equity and Inclusion are just a few groups that have events planned to mark the month, including the annual Latin Fest, Latin Night, and other celebrations. Additionally, Loyola’s annual Hispanic Heritage Bilingual Mass will be held on Sunday, September 29, in Ignatius Chapel. Information and flyers for some additional events are included at the bottom of this email.
As we celebrate this wonderful month, let’s remember that each of us can contribute to Loyola’s effort to become a more equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist university. And I urge each of us to find ways to support, serve and uplift our Hispanic and Latino/a/x/e students, faculty, staff, and neighbors in the greater community.
Kedrick Perry
Vice President for Equity & Inclusion
One Loyola Multicultural Center Mixer
Wednesday, September 21, 6-7 p.m.
Multicultural Center in the Danna Center
HHM Feminist Fridays with Women’s Resource Center
Friday, September 30, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Women's Resource Center, 315 Marquette Hall
“Latinx Culture, Diplomacy, & Law”
Wednesday, October 5, 5-6:30 p.m.
St. Charles Room in the Danna Center
While recognizing that terms like “Hispanic” and “Latinx” really denote many heterogeneous cultures, with this event we’d like to underscore both the successes and challenges related to immigrants’ experiences from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula to New Orleans. The speakers in this series will discuss topics ranging from the history of the Mexican Consulate in New Orleans, to immigration issues, and more. Join us!
OPENING REMARKS: María Calzada, Ph.D.
Panelists:
María Pabón, J.D. (past Dean for Loyola’s College of Law, immigration expert)
Uriel Quesada, Ph.D. (Professor and Vice Provost for Institutional Research, Accreditation, and Academic Engagement)
Martha Castillo (attorney, past president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
Deputy Consul María Patricia Deluera (Mexican Consulate in New Orleans)
Mallory García (Latinx Law Student Association)
Julian Pina (Latinx Law Student Association)
La Mejor Venezuela (Venezuelan Street Photography Exhibition/Reception)
Tuesday, October 19, 6-8 p.m.
New Orleans Jazz Museum - 400 Esplanade Avenue
