Latinx Heritage Month 2023

2023 LATINX HERITAGE MONTH THEME

¡Aquí Estamos: Una Celebración de Comunidad, Orgullo y Vida!         
Estamos aqui: Uma Celebração da Comunidade, Orgulho e Vida!         
We Are Here: A Celebration of Community, Pride, and Life! 

The phrase "Aquí Estamos'' translates to "We Are Here," and it serves as a powerful affirmation of presence and resilience.

This theme encapsulates the spirit of diversity and strength within the Latinx community, as well as its contributions to the University of Michigan and society at large. This year we want to emphasize the richness of diversity within the Latinx community by acknowledging and celebrating the unique intersections of identities, such as LGBTQ+, Afro-Latinx, indigenous, people with disabilities, and more.

Latinx Heritage Month at U-M is led by the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs' Latinx Heritage Month Committee.

ⓘ What is Latinx Heritage Month? Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated nationally from September 15th - October 15th. Starting in 1968, Americans observed what was called, "Hispanic Heritage Week," this was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988.

Calendar of events

This is a campus-wide calendar and organizers/sponsors vary by event. See event links below for details, and contact event organizers with inquiries about specific events.

Elotes y Raspados

September 19, 2023  |  4:00 p.m.
U-M Diag
Sponsored by Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Omicron Chapter. 

Sale with proceeds going towards White Carnation Scholarship.
 

Latinx Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

September 19, 2023  |  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  
Rogel Ballroom, Michigan Union
Sponsored by MESA, Latinx Heritage Month planning committee, Rackham, and Spectrum Center

Join us for the Latinx Heritage Month Opening Ceremony, with a special keynote from national bestselling author Sonora Reyes. Food provided.
 

The Stranger’s Project

September 20, 2023  |  11:00 a.m.
U-M Diag
Sponsored by Chi Upsilon Sigma, National Latin Sorority, Inc.

A social tabling event where students can up and share experiences anonymously with the immediate public.
 

Elevating Educators: A Conversation with Marsal Alumni Award Winners

September 22, 2023  |  2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
School of Education, Brownlee Room 2327
Sponsored by the Marsal Family School of Education

A conversation with three accomplished U-M education graduates featuring stories about NASA, expanding college access to minorities, and community-based organizing on the streets of Chicago. These three Latinx women are changing the landscape of education in our country. Cohosted with the dije office.
 

Alex Alpharaoh, Wet: A DACAmented Journey

September 23, 2023  |  7:00 p.m.
Lydia Mendelssohn Theater, Michigan League
Sponsored by Latina/o Studies and the School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Playwright and actor Alex Alpharaoh turned his journey of being a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient into an award-winning, one-man play entitled WET: A DACAmented Journey. Though he now has permanent residency status in the United States, he bravely performed this play on stages throughout the United States while his residency status was still in question and in doing so has inspired audiences and honored the lives of undocumented Americans across the country.
 

SHPEtinas: Jugos y Estrellas

September 27, 2023  |  6:30 p.m.
Rackham West Conference Room
Sponsored by SHPE / SHPEtinas

Jugos y Estrellas is an event hosted by SHPEtinas, which is a program whose mission is to affirm Latina representation at all levels of STEM corporate and academic leadership. At this event, people will have the freedom to play traditional games, mingle, and learn more about Latinx culture through conversations and traditional Latinx beverages. It is an opportunity to unite the community, come together, and enjoy each other's company in an engaging and exciting environment. It would offer students, faculty, and the general Ann Arbor community the chance to experience and give the Latinx community on campus a feeling of pride and empowerment in their culture. 
 

Anti-Racism Teach-In

October 2, 2023  |  6:00 p.m.
Mosher Jordan Hall, Cesar Chavez Multicultural Lounge
Sponsored by MESA and the Latinx Heritage Month planning committee

This MESA Anti-Racism Teach-in is tailored to the Latinx community and offers a space for attendees to communicate with each other, discuss their own perceptions and worldviews about race and privilege, and engage in productive dialogue that will create more equitable and accessible spaces. Our hope is to raise critical consciousness and understand opportunities for action.
 

Noche de Artesanía

October 4, 2023  |  7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Weiser Hall 455
Sponsored by The Quito Project

An arts and crafts night where we can have fun little stations with different crafts, particular to Ecuadorian culture. For instance, authentic Ecuadorian bracelet making, llama making, indigenous drawing coloring pages, indigenous quartz necklace making, as well as indigenous ecuadorian flowers made out of tissue paper.
 

Día de Los Muertos Community Altar Opening

October 5, 2023  |  6:00 p.m.
East Quad Atrium Hallway
Sponsored by SLIP (Spanish Language Internship Project) and Latina/o Studies

Students, faculty, and staff can submit photos of their loved ones to be included in the Ofrenda. The ofrenda will be up from October 5th until October 12th. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, October 5th @ 6pm and Gift Bags will be given out to the first 30 students who attend.
 

Tres Leches Cake Sale

October 6, 2023  |  10:00 a.m.
Location TBA—contact event sponsor
Sponsored by Beta Upsilon Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Savor the sweetness. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Tres Leches cake while supporting a great cause! Join the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in raising funds for the National Hispanic Institute (NHI).
 

Fall Welcome Celebration

October 6, 2023  |  6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Michigan League, Vandenberg Room
Sponsored by Puentes and Society for Hispanic and Professional Engineers

An evening of food, dancing, live music, and networking with Latinos from across campus. The Fall Welcome Celebration offers an atmosphere through familiar culture and activities that will foster networking and long-lasting relationships among Latinx graduate and professional students from across campus. 
 

Amor y Orgullo

Saturday, October 7th, 2023  |  7:45 - 9:30PM 
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by the Latinx Heritage Month planning committee and Spectrum Center

[Registration required—see link] MESA and Spectrum Center will be hosting "Amor y Orgullo" ("Love and Pride") and we want to see you there! This joint event celebrates Latinx Heritage Month and LGBT History Month—You won't want to miss it. The night will include food, music, a fashion show (still seeking models... will YOU be in it?), and anything else you'd like to see.
 

Lucas Benitez, Wallenberg Lecture and Medal Ceremony

October 10, 2023  |  7:30 p.m.
Rackham Auditorium
Sponsored by Donia Human Rights Center, Wallenberg Legacy, the International Institute, and LSA

Lucas Benitez, co-founder of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a Florida-based labor and human rights organization, will receive the 2023 Wallenberg Medal from the University of Michigan. Benitez, who is a key organizational leader and member of the CIW’s Fair Food Program worker education team, will receive the award and deliver the Wallenberg Lecture. The Wallenberg Medal and Lecture ceremony is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
 

En La Misma Página - Finding Latinx, Book Club

October 11, 2023  |  5:30 p.m.
Location TBA—contact event sponsor
Sponsored by Spanish Language Internship Program & Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. 

En La Misma Página - "Finding Latinx", Book Club is designed to create a space for students who identify or are interested in learning more about the Latine community. "Finding Latinx" by Paola Ramos will allow us to navigate an in-depth conversation with people defining the controversial term, “Latinx”, identifying and recognizing who the Latine community is. 
 

"A Better Life" movie screening

October 11, 2023  |  6:00 p.m.
OAMI, 3rd Floor, Student Activities Building
Sponsored by Student Community of Progressive Empowerment (SCOPE)

A Better Life is a movie screening event that captures the story of a gardener in LA who struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give his son the opportunities he’s never had. We will make time for dialogue at the end of the movie to talk about Latinidad, immigration, detention and deportation, and mixed-status families. Popcorn, pizza, and pop provided!
 

La Union

October 11, 2023  |  6:00 - 8:30 p.m.  
U-M Diag
Sponsored by La Casa 

Latine/x cultural tabling event
 

Latinx Heritage Month Closing Ceremony

October 12, 2023  |  5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  
Rogel Ballroom, Michigan Union
Sponsored by MESA and the Latinx Heritage Month planning committee

The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs and the LHM Planning Committee invite you to the Latinx Heritage Month 2023: Closing Ceremony. We are excited to close out this year's Latinx Heritage Month and we hope to see you there! 
 

I Stand with Immigrants: Day of Action

October 25, 2023  |  Time TBA
Location TBA—contact event sponsor
Sponsored by Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. and SCOPE (Student Community of Progressive Empowerment)

Event to spread awareness and an opportunity for the U-M community to express why they stand with immigrants.
 

Addressing Mental Health in Latinx Communities

October 25, 2023  |  5:00 p.m.
Medical Science Building II, 3697 W Lecture Hall
Sponsored by LUMA and CAPS

Gain a better understanding of mental health resources and how mental health impacts the Latinx community.
 

Multicultural Greek Yard Show

October 27, 2023  |  8:06 p.m.
U-M Diag
Sponsored by Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.

The Multicultural Greek Yard Show works to present the multiple customs and performances of various Multicultural Greek Council Fraternities and Sororities on campus. These performances can range from stepping to strolling to saluting to dancing, all of which have rich historical significance to each organization!
 

POSTPONED: Teach for America CEO coming to U-M

Postponed—rescheduled date TBA
Sponsored by the Latinx Heritage Month planning committee and Teach for America

Join us as we welcome the CEO of Teach for America, Elisa Villanueva Beard, as she shares her story of becoming the CEO of a nationally recognized, non-profit organization. We will follow with a Q&A session and enjoy catered food from Chela’s Restaurant & Taqueria. 
 

Día de los Muertos Ball

November 3, 2023  |  7:00 p.m.
Location TBA—contact event sponsor
Sponsored by Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.

The Sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. hosts an annual Día de los Muertos Ball. It is a night of Latine food, music, and dancing as well as the opportunity to learn about the history and importance of this traditional holiday celebrated all across Latin America!
 

Salute to Latinas: Orgullo y Comunidad: Celebrating the Queer Latine Community

November 10, 2023  |  6:00 p.m.
Michigan Union, Anderson ABC Room
Sponsored by Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc.

At this event, we take time to honor the accomplishments and strengths of all Latinas. We celebrate our history, cultures, and diversity with pride and recognize women who have impacted their community. Salute to Latinas is a journey through our past, present, and a view of our dreams for the future.
 

Latinx organizations and resources at U-M

Academic and professional organizations, dance groups and groups for graduate students, fraternities and sororities, and more; plus, resources and external scholarships. Open the printable PDF in Google Drive.

Planning committee

Our many thanks to members of the 2023 Latinx Heritage Month planning committee:

• Ruby Flores Camacho, Latinx Heritage Month and MESA program manager
• Evalicia Chavez, Latinx Heritage Month student coordinator
• Daisy Ruiz, opening ceremony chair
• Maricella Reyes, opening ceremony chair
• Manuel Maya, closing ceremony chair
• Elijah Vasquez, closing ceremony chair
• Natalia Dussán, programming chair
• Diego Felix-Trejo, programming chair
• Doreen Tinajero, programming chair
• Victoria Pinto, marketing/outreach chair
• Victor Garcia, marketing/outreach chair and graphic designer

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