2023 Celebration
“Ritmos: Flowing Together to the Beats That Formed Us”
¡Bienvenidos! A rhythmic journey that unites our communities in a joyous exploration of the beats and melodies that have influenced and inspired generations. Immerse yourself in the vibrant, rich heritage that has shaped Latin American culture. Join us for this celebration that embraces unity, diversity, and pride, honoring the contributions of Latino communities.
Kick-off Celebration
Friday, Sept. 15 | 4 p.m. | In front of Lee Hall
Rain location: Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University Center
Join us for an exciting event filled with food, music, and craft vendors! Meet our vibrant community as we kick off this celebration of togetherness and cultural diversity. You will connect, celebrate, and support local artisans as you Indulge in a delightful array of delicious food, groove to the rhythm of lively music, and explore unique crafts from talented vendors. See you there!
Manos Latinas: Giving Through Food
Friday September 15 – Friday October 13 | James Farmer Multicultural Center, Cedric Rucker University Center, room 319
LSA is sponsoring a month-long food drive with a local nonprofit organization to support local Latino families and their needs for food security. You are invited to help us make a difference for these families by contributing culturally appropriate non-perishable foods and goods. Together, we can help combat hunger while celebrating their heritage. We strive to embrace diversity, build connections, and foster unity as we create a stronger, more inclusive and supportive community. Change begins with us! You may bring your donations to the James Farmer Multicultural Center located in the University Center, room 319. The JFMC is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Latino Melting Pot Dinner
Tuesday, September 19 | 5 p.m. | Dining at the Top of the CRUC, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost with Campus Meal Plan: 1 meal swipe. For other prices, please check the Dining website at https://umw.sodexomyway.com/.
Co-sponsored by Campus Dining
Join the students of the Latino Student Association and the University Dining team for a premium dining experience with the annual Latino Melting Pot Dinner, where you will meet the LSA Executive Board, learn about the diverse cultures, and taste a variety of delicious Latin and South American dishes.
Latino Identities Month Major Speaker: Dr. Rachel Gomez
Thursday, Sept. 21 | 7 p.m. | Chandler A/B, Cedric Rucker University Center
Dr. Gómez studies the influence of race and ethnicity in urban education and youth development. Her work investigates the significance of critical pedagogies on the critical consciousness and sociopolitical development of adolescents, with particular focus on identity, race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender and culture on educational experiences. From a practical and theoretical perspective, her research draws from Critical Race Theory and Indigenous ways of knowing, sociopolitical development theory, community cultural wealth and Participatory Action Research (PAR). In addition, she studies Latinx resilience in relation to high ethnic identity, culture and familismo. As the granddaughter of Pueblo of Isleta peoples who migrated throughout present-day New Mexico and Mexico, Gómez centers her scholarship through a Chicana feminista relational lens. (Credit: VCU)
Dr. Gomez also serves as the president of the Richmond Region Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), founded in 1929, is the oldest and most widely respected Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States of America. LULAC was created at a time in our country’s history when Hispanics were denied basic civil and human rights, despite contributions to American society. The founders of LULAC created an organization that empowers its members to create and develop opportunities where they are needed most (Credit: LULAC).
Fiesta de Culturas: Celebrating Latino Heritage through a Museum Exhibit and the Fiesta DC Parade
Sunday, Sept. 24 | 8:30 a.m. | Meet at GW Parking Lot
UMW students are invited to join LSA members on a trip to visit the exhibit of “¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States.” This exhibit is at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. After the visit to the museum, we will watch the annual Fiesta DC parade on Constitution Avenue that begins at 1:00 pm. If you are interested in attending, you must register here and pay a $10 fee to cover the metro fare. Spaces are limited, so register early.
Building a Stronger Community: Exploring Solutions for Latino Issues and Success
Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 6 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University Center
This event will consist of different sessions pertaining to various issues affecting Latinos in America. Recent judicial rulings are causing concerns within our communities today. Become involved in our discussions led by experts and learn the information and tools needed to develop solutions for these topics.
Latin America in Films and Literature—CINE LIT series
Wednesdays: Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 & 11 | 5 p.m. | room 213, Combs Hall
Through film and literature, this program offers a historic and cultural vision about the different countries in Latin America and Spain. Additionally, this program celebrates the rich and diverse culture of different Latin American countries and promotes the importance to our students.
Homenaje a poeta Malú Urriola (Chile 1967-2023)
Wednesday, September 27 | 4:00 p.m. | Combs 139
Chilean Poet Malú Urriola (1967-2023) is considered one of the main poets of the XXI Century in Chile. Among her many awards, she won the Pablo Neruda Prize (2006) and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Creative Arts Poetry in 2009. The activity will introduce the life and works of the poet, and offer a bilingual reading of her poetry.
Prepárate…it’s Salsa Night
Friday, Sept. 29 | 6 p.m. | Digital Auditorium, Hurley Convergence Center
Salsa is a popular dance form with movements originating from Puerto Rican Bomba y Plena, Boogaloo, Cuban Son, and other dance forms. Come join the Latino Student Association for a night of fun! Learn the basic steps of Salsa dancing and then enjoy yourself on the dance floor!
“Music: The Latin Touch”
Sunday, October 1 | 3:00 p.m. | Seacobeck Hall, Room 145
UMW Jazz Ensemble celebrates Latino Identities Month with a performance as a tribute inspired by the irresistible sounds and rhythms of Latinx classical musicians. The concert is free and open to the public.
Sabor Latino: A Celebration of Bolivian, Mexican, and Puerto Rican Dances
Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 6 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University Center
This vibrant event will showcase the beautiful traditions and rhythms of these three diverse Latin American cultures through captivating dance performances, a cultural fashion showcase, and a delectable culinary experience.
Movie Night: “In the Heights”
Thursday, Oct. 5th | 6:00 p.m. | Jefferson Square
Rain Location: The Underground, Lee Hall
Co-Sponsored by Campus Programming Board Reel Deals
In the Heights is a musical with concept, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The story is set over the course of three days, involving characters in the largely Dominican American neighborhood of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York City (Credit: Wikipedia). Popcorn will be provided!
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540/654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. Visit students.umw.edu/multicultural.
Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.