The University of Wisconsin’s Multicultural Student Center’s Latine Cultural Center and Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee will host various events to celebrate National Latine Heritage Month, which runs through Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, according to MSC.
This year’s theme is “Amor Sin Fronteras,” or “Love Without Borders.” The LCC aims to focus on the connections across different cultures in both Latin America and the U.S. and how those connections evolve, according to Student affairs associate communications director Darcy Wittberger. This theme is also displayed through the logo, designed by UW student Esmeralda Albino as a reflection of being open to one another as a community despite differences and obstacles, according to Wittberger.
“What’s nice is that it’s bringing together different languages within the culture. It connects the community, and the students are at the forefront of the planning for this event, so they make sure they see themselves in these events and in this theme,” Wittberger said.
Throughout the school year, the LCC hosts a wide variety of events, focusing on three general themes to guide their programming. The first theme centers on cultural relevance or social events, the second connects students to art and the third focuses on academic and professional responsibilities, according to the LCC website.
Latine Heritage Month events are sure to embody the themes and goals of the LCC, having a wide variety of events prepared for the month, according to their events calendar.
Kicking off the program Sept. 12, the Birge Hall Front Lawn will host March Up Bascom Mercadito, a social event with Latine crafts and snacks.
Other September events include lectures from UW’s Assistant Professor Almita A. Miranda on her current book project and a conversation with artist Vic Garcia and other social events, according to the LCC event calendar. The LCC will celebrate the end of Latine Heritage Month Oct. 4 with a ball in Varsity Hall of Union South.
The Latine Heritage Month events are a result of a large committee of students planning to make their ideas a reality, Wittberger said.
“We hope students will attend the events to learn more about the culture, learn about the events that are happening and celebrate with their community,” Wittberger said.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated to correct that the Latine Cultural Center is housed under the Multicultural Student Center and that the events are also planned by the Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee.
