Unity is this year’s theme for the Latinx Heritage Month celebration at USC, which runs from Sept. 15th to Oct. 15th. The official slogan, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a stronger community,” describes on-campus programming that aims to cultivate campus spirit that goes way beyond the month- long observation.
At USC, the Latinx community makes up 15.6% of the student population. Alongside faculty, staff and President Carol L. Folt, the Latinx student body organizes diverse events. The events celebrate the robust history and culture of those from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
“I feel welcomed here at La CASA because I meet people with similar backgrounds and that has also helped me in college,” said Gerald Flores, an undergraduate transfer student from Peru and aerospace engineering major. “It is very important for students to feel a [sense of] ‘familia’ especially when we don’t have a real family here, for example,my family is back in Peru.”
The United States first observed Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. It was later expanded to a month-long observation in 1988. Sept. 15th marks the independence of five Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua from Spain. Sept. 16th marks Mexico’s independence from Spain and Sept. 18th for Chile.
The Latinx Chicanx Center for Advocacy and Student Affairs also known as La CASA will host its annual event this week to kick off the month filled with cultural embracement.
In recent years, the celebration of Latinx Heritage Month has evolved around the communities within the Latin American diaspora.
Daniel Recinos, a senior majoring in international relations, believes it is important that USC acknowledges Latinx Heritage Month. “USC is in South L.A., a community where the majority are Latinx, so it is important that the school take the steps to celebrate the community [from which] they operate,” Recinos said. “Being a student at a predominantly white institution, sometimes it is not the most welcoming place. USC acknowledging Latinx Heritage Month is a step forward in inclusivity.”
The annual celebration of cultures provides an opportunity for education, connection and unity. First-generation graduate student Amanda Pantoja, who is studying public policy, believes USC’s recognition is crucial.
“Such a significant population of the student body is Latinx,” Pantoja said. “It is important to show our community that we are here for Latinx students and respect their culture.”
Pantoja said Latinx Heritage Month helps students deal with issues of imposter syndrome and identity.
“I myself have often asked how did I even make it to USC,” Pantoja said. “When we talk about our identities and we are in spaces where we can build community with other students that are also from our backgrounds, it helps us feel more welcomed.”
Visit Annenberg Media to learn about more events being hosted around campus.