Arts & Life: Hispanic Heritage Month

by Winnie Saulala and Luisa Laguisma

From September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Though recognized at Notre Dame, it has never been celebrated. The I Am Diverse Club, in collaboration with Dr. Anne Gavidia and the Spanish department, have taken it upon themselves to help the NDB community celebrate the month this year.

Throughout the month, students can look forward to the reflection space in the library decorated with educational maps and posters highlighting certain Hispanic countries that have independence days within the September to October timeframe.

While the I am Diverse club aims to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, they also want to educate the Notre Dame community on the history of Spanish colonization of each country and why it is considered Hispanic Heritage Month.

I Am Diverse Club founder, Andrea Rios, said,“The I Am Diverse Club is very excited to start the year off by doing Hispanic Heritage Month. Personally, being hispanic, it is extra special to me because I finally get to see my culture represented here in a real way.”

In addition to the reflection space, Epicurean will serve desserts that are significant in Hispanic culture. In an effort to highlight Hispanic Women, the club will also be showcasing a slideshow on the monitors with mini biographies of notable Hispanic Women. The I Am Diverse Club, in collaboration with the Feminist Club, will also be screening ‘Dolores’ on October 12, a minimum day. The historical documentary spotlights Dolores and her work in the 1950s battling both gender biases and workers’ rights.