Latinx Heritage Month & Conectémonos en ECU

Latinx Heritage Month, or Hispanic Heritage Month, is celebrated September 15^th-October 15^thevery year, as a time to celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions and cultural diversity of Hispanic/Latino/Latinx Americans whose heritage is rooted in 20 Latin American countries and territories: Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

This year’s theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. This theme was selected to reinforce the need for diverse voices and perspectives in order build stronger communities and a stronger Nation. This theme is meant to encourage us to celebrate the diversity of our experiences and to understand how we can all work together to better ourselves and our communities.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed around September 15^th and 16^th. In 1989, congress expanded this to a month-long celebration. It begins on September 15^th because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. On September 16^th, Mexico celebrates its independence, and Chile celebrates on September 18^th.

The term “Latinx” is used as a gender-free alternative to Latino or Latina. It is inclusive of people of all racial backgrounds, those who are transgender, and those who may not identify with binary genders including people who are agender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and genderqueer.

In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, ECU is hosting the following event:

The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center & the Office for Equity and Diversity host:

Conectémonos en ECU (Let’s Connect at ECU)

September 22, 6-8pm

MCSC Lawn

Registration on Engage is Required

Did you know that over 2,000 of the students at ECU identify as Latinx? The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center and the Office for Equity and Diversity are excited to co-sponsor Conectémonos en ECU (Let’s Connect at ECU) to celebrate and network with our Latinx students and faculty! Join us September 22 from 6-8pm on the MCSC Lawn to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with a night immersed in Latinx culture, music, food, and education. This event is a unique opportunity to build networking experiences for students and faculty, to connect with Latinx-based organizations, to understand the resources available here at ECU, and to learn more about Latinx Heritage in a fun, free event. Register today on Engage to secure your ticket for free tacos from Anita’s, a local Latinx-owned business!