While National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed across the country, Trinity University has established its own traditions, hosting observances each year with a lineup of events that build an environment where all students feel celebrated, empowered, and welcome to learn about Latino/Latina cultures.
Hosted by the Mexico, Americas, and Spain (MAS) program, the Latino/Latina Heritage Month festivities begin September 15 with a gathering for the community hosted by the Arts and Humanities Collective, and run through October 20 with a reading by Latino/Latina authors. See the full schedule below.
Angela Tarango, Ph.D., director of MAS at Trinity, feels that the “Sanctuary Movements and Current Immigration Policy in the Southwest” roundtable discussion on September 23 stands out as a relevant local history of activism along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“This is an important conversation to have at this moment when, once again, immigration is front and center in the news,” she says.
Tarango is also excited for El Mercado and Viva Las Americas, which give Trinity students an opportunity to showcase their creativity.
“Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month is a vital reflection of our commitment to honoring identity, culture, and community,” says MAS Program Associate Elseke Membreño-Zenteno. She adds that it also reflects MAS’s broader commitment to uplifting Latino/Latina students at Trinity.
“We support our Latinx students every step of the way by providing mentorship, scholarships, and a supportive environment where they can thrive,” she says.
Tarango emphasizes that as MAS strives to celebrate Latino/Latina students, they want students of all backgrounds to feel like they can participate.
“We welcome all members of the Trinity community to our events and look forward to celebrating the rich Latinx culture of San Antonio and the rest of the MAS world this month,” she says.
Save the dates below so you don’t miss out on these exciting events!
Humanitea
September 15 | 4-5 p.m. | Dicke Hall Commons
Sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Collective, MAS is hosting this special edition of Humanitea with food, drinks, and great conversation. We would love for you to join us and connect with fellow faculty and students.
El Mercado
September 16 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Magic Stones
Hosted by the Student Inclusion and Belonging office, El Mercado will offer fun for all, including activities, information tables, food, music, and more.
Sanctuary Movements and Current Immigration Policy in the Southwest
September 23 | 6 p.m. | Dicke Hall 104
This roundtable discussion will be moderated by our MAS Director Angela Tarango, Ph.D., and feature guest speakers Lloyd Barba, Ph.D. (Amherst College), Aimee Villarreal, Ph.D. (Texas State University), and Pastor Dianne Garcia of Iglesia Cristiana Roca de Refugio.
Quevedo’s Eternal Love
September 25 | 7 p.m. | Northrup Hall 040
Hosted by MAS and the SA Casa de España, this event features a talk on the Spanish Golden Age poet Francisco de Quevedo.
Norma E. Cantú in plática with Demetria Martinez
October 1 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Modern Languages and Literatures Professor Norma Cantú, Ph.D., will host poet Demetria Martínez to discuss their work and new book of poems.
Viva Las Américas
October 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Ruth Taylor Recital Hall
Hosted by Trinity University Latino Association (TULA), this event will showcase Latino/Latina culture at Trinity.
100 METERS
October 9 | 7 p.m. | Dicke Hall 108
MAS and the SA Casa de España invite the Trinity community to watch a Spanish movie with English subtitles based on a true story of overcoming adversity.
Corazones on Fire
October 20 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Fiesta Room
Students are invited to listen to readings from authors and artists Désirée Zamorano and ire’ne lara silva.
Editor's Notes: The above image shows Las Abuelitas de Oro performing on Trinity's campus.