SW New Mexico News

Starting in March, New Mexico State University’s Latin American Programs will launch a monthlong initiative named Frutos y Raíces. This series of events aims to create a broader space for connection, advocacy, and celebration.

The Latin American Programs (LAP) originally hosted Latino Week every spring. However, with the transition of Chicano Programs into LAP and the Hispanic Council becoming the Latin American Student Council, student leaders have been instrumental in driving systemic change.

“The name Frutos y Raíces (‘fruits and roots’) symbolizes both honoring our roots – our histories, ancestors, and struggles while also recognizing the fruits of our labor, the progress we make, the resilience we embody, and the community we build,” said Rio López, director of Latin American Programs. “It’s about looking back and moving forward, ensuring that our stories and efforts lead to lasting change.”

Upcoming events include Colorful Conversations by SACNAS on March 3 at the American Indian Student Center; International Women’s Day Zine Making on March 6 at Zuhl Library; Ramos & Raíces on March 18 at Domenici Hall; Bandanas for Justice on March 25 at Domenici Hall; Loteria Wellness Lunch on March 31 at Corbett Center Student Union; and Hip Hop sin Fronteras ni Límites on April 30 at Rentfrow Hall.

These events are led by student leaders who play a key role in decision-making and planning within LAP. Organizations involved include CAMP Student Council; NMSU Dream Team; Women in STEM League; Graduate Student Social Work Association; Conectados Club; First-Gen Student Club; Boricua Student Club; and SACNAS.

“We made it a priority to evolve our programming to align with our new goals: access, belonging, equity and intentional education while still creating spaces for leisure, fun and bonding,” López said. “Given the many challenges our communities are facing today, this educational focus has never been more important.”

The focus of these events will be on issues affecting Latin American and immigrant communities such as immigration rights, farmworkers’ rights, sustainable futures, wellness care practices, grassroots organizing activism known as artivism activism, and community building.

“At NMSU where many students come from Latin American immigrant backgrounds or Indigenous backgrounds providing these spaces is essential,” López stated. “It ensures that students see themselves reflected in campus programming have access to resources tailored specifically towards their needs feel empowered take action representation matters having dedicated events like these fosters sense belonging collective strength.”

Event collaborators include Jess Zubia (NMSU's first Outreach Ethnic Studies librarian), Cecil Rose (NMSU Black Programs Director), Walter Rascon (NMSU graduate student), Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy among others.

LAP intends for Frutos y Raíces not just be seen merely as an event but rather movement meant be heard supported celebrated.

“It reminds us every small effort conversation shared experience seed planted future change honor those came before us work toward future where communities thrive beyond struggles," expressed López. "At its core Frutos y Raíces joy resistance hope creating world exist freely unapologetically."