SXU Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month
The Saint Xavier University (SXU) community is celebrating Latinx Heritage Month September 15 through October 15 with a variety of events, discussions, games, workshops and more.
Latinx Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation began in 1968 as a week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period beginning September 15. September 15 is significant as it celebrates the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
SXU is proud to be recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and provides opportunities for growth to Hispanic students while celebrating their culture and tradition with the whole SXU community. Students have the opportunity to participate in building SXU's HSI identity and history through a variety of academic, cultural, leadership and other professional organizations.
"We’re very excited to be launching our calendar of activities for Latinx Heritage Month during National HSI Week, which celebrates all of the amazing work that HSIs everywhere are doing to ensure underserved students have access to higher education, equitable practices and pedagogies, and initiatives that enhance their academic and career pathways. This year’s Latinx Heritage Month calendar of events is filled with activities and opportunities for students and staff to celebrate and learn about the different traditions and dimensions that are part of our Latinx student identities. We encourage the entire SXU community to participate and be part of this wonderful month filled with pride that honors the cultures, contributions and resilience of Latinx people everywhere," said Imelda Macias, Title V director.
Please join us throughout September and October to learn, grow and celebrate!
September
Latinx Authors and Films
All month long, the SXU community can visit the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library in person or online to view a curated collection of books, films, documentaries, and information on cultural centers and museums around Chicago that celebrate the work and contributions of Latinx communities.
SXU Latinx Mural Contest Launch – Thursday, September 15
Students can submit their entries for a chance to paint a mural in an SXU hallway, keeping in mind the theme, the "Best of Latin American Culture."
Lotería Launch Contest – Thursday, September 15
The SXU community can submit their drawings of an SXU Lotería playing card. Participants will choose from a list of 54 categories to create the Lotería card.
Latinx Tunes in the SXU Diner – September 15, 21 and 27 and October 6 and 14
Enjoy Latinx music in the SXU Diner!
El Grito Contest – Thursday, September 15
Who has the best Mexican grito (yell)? Join us on the Quad to find out!
Latinx Prodigious Peeps Poster Party – Friday, September 16
Students can create posters on inspirational Latinx people at noon in the Wiseman Student Lounge!
Lotería Night – Friday, September 16
Join us in the Pacelli Hall lounge at 6 p.m. to play Lotería with the Residence Hall Association. There will be multiple rounds of Loteria, prizes, candy, music and much more.
South Chicago Mexican Independence Parade – Sunday, September 18
The SXU community is invited to represent SXU at the traditional South Chicago Mexican Independence Day Parade at 11 a.m.
Dichos and Modismos Wall Submissions – Monday, September 19
Students and staff will have the opportunity to submit sayings and colloquialisms from Latin American countries in the SXU Diner. All submissions will be on display in October to showcase the richness of the cultures and language.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at SXU: Q&A Roundtable – Monday, September 19
Join CDO Dr. Natalie Page for a discussion on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Baila Conmigo – Tuesday, September 20
Join us at 3 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room, where we will teach the Latin American culture through various genres of well-known dances to faculty, staff, and students.
Foreigners in Their Own Land PBS Episode and Discussion – Tuesday, September 20
Join us at noon in McGuire Hall to explore the period from 1565-1880, as the first Spanish explorers enter North America, the U.S. expands into territories in the Southwest that had been home to Native Americans, English, and Spanish colonies, and the Mexican-American War strips Mexico of half its territories by 1848.
Supporting Your Dreams: Know Your Rights – Wednesday, September 21
Join us at 1 p.m. in McGuire Hall for a session for SXU students, staff, and faculty to learn about immigration law and how we can all support each other.
Los White Sox Hispanic Heritage Night Outing – Friday, September 23
The SXU community can gather and represent SXU at the 7 p.m. White Sox game!
SXU Resource Fair – Monday, September 26
Tables with representatives from different departments to build awareness of the many resources available to students will be set up at noon in the SXU Diner.
Empire of Dreams: PBS Episode and Discussion – Tuesday, September 27
Join us at 2 p.m. in McGuire Hall to learn how the American population became reshaped by the influx of people that began in 1880 and continued into the 1940s, as Cubans, Mexicans and Puerto Ricans began arriving in the U.S. and started to build strong Latino-American communities in South Florida, Los Angeles and New York.
Cheetos, Chisme and Music Mingles – Wednesday, September 28
Join us in the SXU Diner at noon to gather and mingle over Cheetos.
Fiesta de la Familia – Wednesday, September 28
Join us with your families from 5 to 7 p.m. outside the Mercy Ministry Center to hear from SXU President Laurie M. Joyner and enjoy food trucks, music and games! Registration is requested.
Spanish Mass for SXU Families
Join us at 7 p.m. at McDonough Chapel for the beginning-of-the-year Spanish Mass for students, families and the SXU community.
October
Prejudice and Pride: PBS Episode and Discussion – Monday, October 3
Join us at 5 p.m. in McGuire Hall to explore the creation of the proud "Chicano" identity, as labor leaders organize farm workers in California and activists push for better education opportunities for Latinos, the inclusion of Latino studies, and empowerment in the political process.
SXU vs. Indiana University Northwest Soccer Game Tailgate – Tuesday, October 4
Come out to a tailgate event at 7 p.m. on the SXU campus to cheer on the soccer team!
War and Peace: PBS Episode and Discussion – Wednesday, October 5
Join us at 2 p.m. in McGuire Hall to discuss the World War II years and those that follow, as Latino Americans serve their new country by the hundreds of thousands but still face discrimination and a fight for civil rights back in the United States.
Day of the Dead Altar Building – Thursday, October 6
Students can come help build the Day of the Dead Altar outside of the Butler Reception Room from 3 to 6 p.m.
Lotería and Lunch – Tuesday, October 11
Students can play Lotería while having their lunch at noon in the SXU Diner.
Selena Movie Night – Tuesday, October 11
Come watch the movie "Selena" at 6 p.m. in McGuire Hall.
Saúl Flores: The Walk of the Immigrants – Wednesday, October 12
The SXU community will get the opportunity to relive the Walk of the Immigrants and create a deeper understanding of the struggles, hardships, joy and hope that immigrants experience on their journeys at noon in McGuire Hall.
Sin Limites Latinx Panel – Wednesday, October 12
Join us at 4:30 p.m. in the Fourth Floor Boardroom for a panel of Latinx students, staff and alumni.
SXU Latinx Mural Contest Presentations and Winner Event – Friday October 14
Join us at 3 p.m. as participants introduce their murals and the contest winner is announced!
Estrellas de SXU Latinx Achievement Awards – Saturday, October 15
Join us at 1 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room for a ceremony honoring our Latinx stars.
Cafecito Pop-Up: Belongingness and Self-Exploration – Wednesday, October 19
Adriana Del Olmo from the Counseling Center will be presenting on belongingness and self-exploration at 10 a.m. in the Wiseman Student Lounge.
Peril and Promise: PBS Episode and Discussion – Thursday, October 20
Join us at 3 p.m. in McGuire Hall for an episode that takes viewers through the past 30 years, with a second wave of Cubans arriving in Miami during the Mariel exodus. With hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans, Nicaraguans and Guatemalans fleeing civil wars, death squads and unrest to go north into a new land, they transformed the United States along the way.
"For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts" Book Club Discussion – Friday, October 21
Join the SXU community at noon in the Butler Reception Room or at 7 p.m. to discuss the month’s book club choice, "For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color."
Mexican Fine Arts Museum Outing – Saturday, October 22
Students can visit the Mexican Fine Arts Museum in Pilsen at noon. Transportation will be provided.
Grief and Dia de los Muertos – Tuesday, November 1
Adriana Del Olmo from the Counseling Center will be presenting on the relationship between grief and el Dia de los Muertos at 10 a.m. in the SXU Diner.
SXU is proud to recognize its Latinx students all year long and looks forward to continuing to share cultural exchanges throughout the year!