September marks the 56th anniversary of Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans.
This year, Samford University’s Office of Student Success and Diversity is hosting a variety of engaging events aimed at getting students involved in this important month.
When President Lyndon B. Johnson established National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1968, he hoped to encourage the nation to embrace cultures different from its own. Since then, Americans have recognized Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as an opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Hispanic and Latino communities.
Now, Samford is giving students a chance to celebrate both on campus and in the greater Birmingham Area.
The Latino Student Organization (LSO) is particularly excited to celebrate this month by inducting new staff and members. Perla Soto-Ceballos, a multicultural recruiter and staff adviser for LSO, is eager to see how this organization will shape future cultural events.
“I am a first-generation, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Samford alumna who has seen how recognition and support for Latino and Hispanic students in institutions of higher education can empower students to not just pursue an education, but also become confident leaders on campus and in the community,” Soto-Ceballos said.
With Samford hosting a variety of cultural events during Hispanic Heritage Month, students can gain hands-on experience. Here are some events the university will sponsor:
On Sept. 28, 2024, Fiesta Birmingham—Alabama’s largest Hispanic celebration—will be available through the Office of Student Success and Diversity. This event will feature a family-friendly festival with different villages to explore and learn about. One cultural village will represent the art and culture of over 20 Caribbean, Latin American, and European countries, while other villages will focus on specific regions.
On Oct. 3, 2024, Samford will host a Coffee and Conversation night focusing on understanding the cultural and academic experiences of Hispanic students on campus. This conversation will seek to create common ground and establish a strong community for support.
On Oct. 10, 2024, Samford’s Spanish Club will host a “Dance and Guacamole Night” at Mi Pueblo, featuring authentic Latin cuisine. Students and faculty will also have the chance to donate to The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA!), a community advocacy organization focused on economic equality, engagement, and social justice for Latino families in Alabama.
These events encourage open-mindedness and provide opportunities for students to celebrate their culture while appreciating the Hispanic ties to Samford.
Tiffany Robayna, the new faculty sponsor of LSO, hopes this month will give students the space to cherish their roots and celebrate with others.
“We hope that this will give them an appreciation for their roots and heritage from both American and Hispanic cultures,” Robayna said. “This month allows Hispanics to express themselves and the rich traditions they bring to the U.S. Inclusion and understanding of others are essential for moving toward a brighter and more unified future. These events are important for promoting those values.”
Stay tuned for updates on Hispanic Heritage Month by following @samforddiverse on Instagram.
Staff Writer
