SXU Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month
The Saint Xavier University (SXU) community is celebrating Latinx Heritage Month throughout September and October with a variety of events, conversations, learning opportunities, 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) since 2014 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, including Unidos, Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and Sin Límites.
"We're thrilled to launch this year's calendar of activities for Latinx Heritage Month, which is filled with opportunities for students and staff to celebrate and learn about the different traditions and dimensions that are part of our Latinx student identities. As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), we also look forward to National HSI Week, which celebrates 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. We cannot wait to share with the SXU community this wonderful month filled with pride that honors the cultures, contributions and resilience of Latinx people everywhere," said Imelda Macías, executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Please join us throughout September and October to learn, grow and celebrate! For specific event times and locations, please visit the SXU Calendar.
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.
Grito Contest – Friday, September 15
Who has the best Mexican grito (yell)? Join us to find out!
Latine Lunch-and-Learn – Monday, September 18
Come meet the Unidos executive board and check out their fall events and other Latinx organizations on campus.
IXXA Coffee Roasting Pop-Up – Tuesday, September 19
Join Latinx-owned Ixxa Coffee to learn about coffee roasting and the path to becoming a small business over some coffee.
La Charla: LGBTQ Identity in the Latinx Community – Thursday, September 21
Learn about hardships that LGBTQ+ people may face in the Latinx community and how to help people embrace their identities.
Beginning-of-the-Year Spanish Mass and Sin Límites Induction – Friday, September 22
Join the beginning-of-the-year Spanish Mass for students, families and the SXU community.
Marissa Tirado and José Olivarez Poetry Workshop and Reading – Monday, September 25
Join Chicagoland poets José Olivarez and Marisa Tirado for a poetry workshop and a reading of their work.
"For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts" Book Cub Meeting I – Tuesday, September 26
Jon us for an SXU community book club discussion of Prizca Dorka's book.
Latine Alumni Panel – Thursday, September 28
Join the leaders of Unidos as they host an alumni panel! Alumni panelists will share their tips and experiences on seeking internships and employment, discussing different resources available within the University.
Fiesta de la Familia – Friday, September 29
Gather with SXU students and their families for a lively fiesta.
October
Day of the Dead Altar Building – Monday, October 2
Students are invited to help build the Day of the Dead ofrenda outside of the Butler Reception Room.
Latine Festival – Thursday, October 5
Join us in celebrating the history and culture of the Hispanic community. Come out for tables exhibiting different Hispanic foods, clothing and cultures.
Why Latines Should Vote – Wednesday, October 11
Join us to discuss and learn the importance of the Latinx vote in the upcoming elections!
Estrellas de SXU – Friday, October 13
Join us for a banquet to celebrate SXU's student, staff and faculty estrellas.
Latinx Heritage Month Art Reveal – Friday, October 13
SXU Latinx artists will unveil their winning pieces that will be displayed in the hallway next to the Butler Reception Room.
National Museum of Mexican Art Outing – Saturday, October 14
Students will visit the National Museum of Mexican Art. Transportation will be provided.
"For Brown Girls with Sharp Hearts and Tender Edges" Book Club Meeting II – Wednesday, October 18
Join us for an SXU community book club discussion of Prizca Dorka’s book.
"With This Light" Film Screening – Tuesday, October 24
Join us for a film screening of the inspirational award-winning documentary "With This Light."
November
Day of the Dead and Cafecito – Wednesday, November 1
Join us for cafecito and a Day of the Dead conversation with staff from the Counseling Center.
Day of the Dead Experience – Wednesday, November 1
Students, staff and faculty are invited to the Day of the Dead Experience to enjoy a special evening of music, stories, remembrance, food, and celebration.