LatinX Heritage Month: Mi Cultura Vive en Mi

At UIC, LatinX Heritage Month (LHM) isn’t just a celebration, it's a showcase of culture, history, and community.  Center for Student Involvement is hosting a series of events September 15 - October 15, designed to honor the rich and diverse traditions of Latinx communities, providing students with an opportunity to connect with their heritage and share it with the campus community. This year's theme, “Mi Cultura Vive en Mi”, (My culture lives within me), captures the spirit of this month-long celebration.

The significance of this month stems from the desire of students to have their voices and experiences represented on campus. Vanesa Velazquez, Assistant Director of the Center for Student Involvement who oversees the event planning, notes, "Celebrating LatinX Heritage Month at UIC is crucial in recognizing and honoring the rich cultural history, contributions, and influence of the LatinX community.  I hope to contribute by helping plan events that not only celebrate our culture but also educate others about the issues facing LatinX communities today." The tradition continues with events that allow students to connect with their culture and each other.

Roberto Gomez-Valadez, a co-chair of the planning committee, shares his excitement, "Latinx Heritage Month is a time in which I can see my culture take center stage. We’re just getting started, but I’m particularly excited about our closing Baile on October 11th. It’s going to be a night to remember."

The events not only celebrate Latinx culture but also foster a sense of belonging among students. Velazquez emphasizes, "The events are designed to create a sense of pride, unity, and belonging by providing spaces where they can celebrate their heritage and share their cultural experiences. They create opportunities for networking, leadership development, and mentorship, helping students build connections with faculty, staff, and fellow students."

Alize Ramirez, a dedicated member of the LHM planning committee, shares her commitment to making this celebration a success. She joined the committee to help organize events that celebrate her culture, following her mother’s advice: "If I want to see certain events come to life, it's important to get involved in the planning process." Alize has found her involvement in the committee to be deeply rewarding. She feels that it has significantly strengthened her connection to her cultural identity and given her a strong sense of belonging. Alize is looking forward to the Tianguis which features a variety of Latinx vendors. “Tianguis has consistently been a success since it has taken place at UIC year after year," she notes. Alize hopes to bring more unique events in the future and encourages other students to join the committee and share their creative ideas.

Beyond attending official events, Velazquez shares a variety of ways for students can celebrate LatinX Heritage Month:

• Join or attend events hosted by LatinX student organizations
• Support LatinX-owned businesses in the Chicago area
• Engage in social media campaigns to raise awareness about LatinX culture and issues
• Participate in community service projects that support LatinX communities
• Collaborate with peers to host study groups or informal discussions on LatinX literature, history, and current events
• Visit cultural centers and museums, such as the National Museum of Mexican Art, to further their understanding of LatinX heritage

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As LHM continues at UIC, there are several exciting events lined up that showcase the culture and community of the Latinx population. Enjoy the vibrant tapestry of LatinX Heritage this year by experiencing an emotional connection that allows students to reconnect with their roots, experience the beauty of their culture, and feel at home no matter where they are!

For more events visit go.uic.edu/lhm2024