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VWU Pays Tribute to Hispanic Heritage

Campus events celebrate the significance of Hispanic American culture throughout the U.S.

University News | September 12, 2024

The annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed across the United States from September 15 to October 15, honors the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month pays tribute to the generations of individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping our nation's history. 

According to aglearn.usda.gov, in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was a week-long celebration and was referred to as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to a 30-day stint from September 15 to October 15. It was then enacted into a law on August 17,1988. September 15 is significant for Hispanic Heritage Month as it marks the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, serving as a symbolic start to the month-long celebration of Hispanic culture.

Hispanic Heritage Month embodies a new theme every year. This year's theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together” which celebrates the collaborative spirit and efforts of those who are shaping a brighter future for all. 

Throughout this special month, Virginia Wesleyan will host numerous events and activities, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Mark your calendars, Marlins!

The Office of Student Engagement opens the month with “Bachata Night” in the CMAC on September 20, at 7 p.m. Join Off the Hook and the Latino Student Alliance for a night of learning various dance styles, including Bachata. Instructors from Bachata Vida Dance Company will be on hand and participants will be entered to win a prize.

Marlins can cheer on the Norfolk Tides at Harbor Park as they take on the Nashville Sounds for Copa de la Diversion on September 20 at 6:35 p.m. Student tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis beginning on September 18 at noon in the Office of Student Engagement. 
 
Join the Office of Counseling and Student Health for "Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health in the Latino Community." These events will explore cultural factors that often prevent open discussions about mental health and provide strategies for creating supportive environments. Attendees will hear from mental health counselors who are passionate about increasing awareness and access to resources within Hampton Roads Latino Community. Event dates: September 19 at 12:30 p.m. in Harbor Grill; September 25 at noon in Harbor Grill; and October 8 at noon outside Boyd Dining Center.
 
The Latino Student Alliance is highlighting “Café con leche” during Worldly Wednesday in Boyd Dining Center on September 25, from 10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
 
On September 26, Off the Hook and the Latino Student Alliance will sponsor “Latin Night” at 7 p.m. in the Harbor Grill. Join in the fun during a night of interactive games, music, and food in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
 
On October 2 at 1 p.m., Wesleyan Engaged will host the “Hispanic Heritage Month Lighthouse Showcase.” The movie “Coco” will be the feature in The Lighthouse. The film is about musician Miguel, who is confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, and then enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.
 
Activities for VWU’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month are coordinated by the Office of Student Engagement and Wesleyan Engaged.