New Mexico State University is set to begin its Latinx Heritage Month celebrations, which will take place from September 15 to October 15. The university has planned a series of events aimed at honoring the culture and contributions of Latinx people to U.S. history.
Many of the scheduled activities are collaborations among NMSU’s Latin American Programs, Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, and other campus organizations. The events are open to all members of the NMSU community.
The lineup starts with “Get Ready for Cumbia Night,” a free dance class on Tuesday, September 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Aggie Lounge at Corbett Center Student Union.
On Thursday, September 18, regional Mexican singer Jacqie Rivera and Frontera Bugalú will perform at the Pan American Center during “Cumbia Night II.” This concert is hosted by the Associated Students of NMSU and Latin American Programs. Rivera is known as the daughter of Jenni Rivera, referred to as “Diva de la Banda.” Admission is free for NMSU students with their Aggie ID cards; tickets for the public can be purchased at the Pan Am box office or through Ticketmaster.
Paola Ramírez will present “The Power of Performance” on Monday, September 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Corbett Center Student Union’s second-floor auditorium. Ramírez will teach performance exercises and techniques intended to help participants reimagine possibilities in their lives.
Author Yasmín Ramírez will discuss her memoir “¡Ándale, Prieta!” on Wednesday, September 24. The book has received several honors including a silver medal at the International Latino Book Awards and recognition from the Border Regional Library Association.
A panel titled “Voces Latinoamericanas” will bring together Latin students, faculty and staff on Wednesday, October 1. Panelists plan to discuss Latin Heritage Month’s significance as well as ongoing challenges faced by their communities.
Journalist Daniel Alvarenga is scheduled for a virtual event titled “El Salvador’s Authoritarian Turn: A Harbinger for the Hemisphere” on Thursday, October 9. He will address rising fascism in El Salvador and his perspective on media coverage regarding Central America.
NMSU’s Esports Lab will host its first-ever “Cultural Game Night” featuring video games and lotería on Friday, October 10.
Cassandro El Exotico (Saul Armendariz), a professional wrestler recognized for his impact in Lucha Libre over nearly four decades, is set to visit NMSU’s Las Cruces campus Wednesday, October 15. His talk about his life and career coincides with an appearance by The Luchador food truck offering free food.
In addition to these events at NMSU’s main campus, Doña Ana Community College plans its own Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff with author Denise Chávez reading from her memoir on Tuesday, September 16 at East Mesa Campus DASR Commons.
For further details about these events or updates throughout Latinx Heritage Month at NMSU, interested individuals can follow @nmsu_lap on Instagram or call university contacts provided in event announcements.
