Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month

Latinx Heritage Month, federally designated as Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, is observed from September 15th to October 15th by celebrating the rich historical and cultural legacies of individuals whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Spain, and Mexico. The day of September 15th is significant because it marks the anniversary of independence for multiple Latin American countries. During this 30-day period, the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI) and our partners in Student Affairs, the Center for Equity and Student Achievement (CESA), the Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy (GITA), Chicana/o Studies, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will facilitate programs and events that highlight historical and contemporary contributions of the Latinx community to the fabric of our campus and society.

The term “Latinx” relates to people of Latin American origin or descent and is used as a gender-neutral or non-binary alternative to Latina/o. That said, terms like “Hispanic” and “Latinx” are based in language that privileges non-indigenous and non-Black identities and center Eurocentric views of history. We strive to be inclusive and welcoming of all identities and for that reason share this critique.

Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week

The purpose of HSI Week is to recognize 569 HSIs throughout the nation for their work and critical role in educating and empowering Hispanics/Latina/o/x. This year HSI Week, sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is September 12 – 16. MSU Denver will participate by hosting several events and sharing stories about our impact on our students and community in the Early Bird and on social media. For more information on HSI Week, please visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s website.

Auraria Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off 

Thursday, September 15^th | 10:00AM – NOON Tivoli Multicultural Lounge 261

The Auraria Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off, in collaboration with the Community College of Denver (CCD), the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), and the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) will mark the beginning of celebrating Auraria Latinx students, families, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. All attendees are welcome and can drop in during the time frame to celebrate the many diverse countries, peoples, and cultures of the Caribbean, Central and South America, Spain, and Mexico.

Auraria Library Collection and Display of Latinx Authored Books

Campus Spring 2022_Feature Photos, Auraria Library

September 15^th – October 15^th

Exhibit Hours: Monday – Thursday from 7:30AM – 7:00PM; Friday from 7:30AM – 5:00PM; Saturday 9:00AM- 5:00PM

Come check out the diverse Latinx voice represented in literature at the Auraria Library with a special display and new books offered in English and Spanish sponsored by the MSU Denver Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI).

Black Latina Play

Tuesday, September 27^th | 4:00 – 8:00PM | St. Cajetan’s

Black Latina, in collaboration with the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is the story of being a Black Latina in the U.S. whether born with dark skin or indeed African American and Hispanic. Black Latina is the journey of one’s struggle to identify with both cultures. Tackling both external factors (such as society and media) to internal factors (like the viewpoints of family and friends), Black Latina gives a firsthand look inside the emotions held by a group of people who are constantly ignored. The all-female ensemble cast each work to personify emotions one confronts in the face of adversity, anger, sadness, fear, love, and empowerment. The characters deliver a testimony that further justifies their assigned emotion and offers varying views, ideas, and experiences while simultaneously sharing the common bond of being a Black Latina.

Brother to Brother Critical Discussion on Race

Wednesday, October 5^th | NOON – 1:30PM | St. Cajetan’s

The Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion’s (CMEI) Brother to Brother (B2B) program is hosting the annual Critical Discussion on Race. This Fall, the B2B will be exploring the intersections of Black and Latinidad identities with MSU Denver’s very own Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Michael Benitez as a facilitator.

Virtual UndocuHub Training

Monday, October 10^th | 9:00AM – 11:00AM | Virtual

The UndocuHub Service Provider Training, organized by www.undocuhub.us, in collaboration with the Immigrant Services Program (ISP) and the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI) at MSU Denver is a great way for existing and future Colorado community service providers to develop key competencies and skills when serving undocumented communities in the state of Colorado. The training will cover basic information about Colorado and U.S. immigrant and undocumented communities, public charge, driver’s licenses, higher education access, equitable hiring practices for your organization, and more. The training will also review the www.undocuhub.us resource catalog and allow for questions and answers from the audience.