OHIO to host special events during National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to recognize and uplift the contributions of those of Hispanic descent and to celebrate Hispanic culture.

Ohio University proudly recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month through education, programming and celebration.  This year’s celebration is centered around driving prosperity, power and progress, and recognizing the diversity amongst the Hispanic population while working to build prosperous and healthy communities.

As part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Ohio University will host several events in September and October, including the following:

"Sabores de Nuestra Herencia" Hispanic Heritage Month Cookout – On Sept. 15, all members of the OHIO community were invited to a vibrant and flavorful celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at this student-run cookout. This event is all about coming together, enjoying a delicious variety of traditional and contemporary dishes, sharing stories, and celebrating the diversity that enriches our campus. The event, which included music and games, was held from noon until 3 p.m. at the South Beach on the South Green as part of Ohio University’s Family Weekend events.

“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” – “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” is a 2022 coming-of-age romantic drama film about two Mexican-American teenage boys who become friends in 1987 El Paso, Texas. The film explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, first love, and self-acceptance. The film will be shown beginning at 6 p.m. in the Baker University Center Theater on Thursday, Sept. 19.

Fiesta Latina – This special event hosted by the Latino Student Union will be held at the Union in Uptown Athens beginning at 9 p.m.  on Friday, Sept. 20.

Black In Latin America Documentary Screening – All members of the OHIO community are invited to a special four-part weekly screening of "Black in Latin America" with Henry Louis Gates Jr., as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring the rich and complex history of Afro-Latinx communities. Each week, we'll screen an episode that delves into the unique experiences and contributions of Afro-Latinx people, followed by an open discussion to reflect on the themes presented and their relevance today. The screenings will be shown in Baker University Center 217 from noon until 1 p.m. on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.

"Investigación sin Fronteras" Hispanic Heritage Month Research Expo - This event will showcase the innovative work and interests of OHIO’s esteemed faculty, dedicated staff, and talented graduate students, all centered around the rich themes of the Hispanic diaspora. All members of the OHIO community are invited to this event, which will feature keynote speakers, interactive presentations, and networking opportunities. The Expo will be held from noon until 3 p.m. in the Friends of the Library Room in Alden Library on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

“Una Mujer Fantástica“- “Una Mujer Fantástica” (2017), also known as A Fantastic Woman, is a Chilean drama film about a transgender woman named Marina (Daniela Vega) who works as a waitress and nightclub singer in Santiago. This event will be held from 6-8 p.m. in Walter 235 on Thursday, Oct. 3.

Celebrando Nuestro Mosaico" Intersectional Reception – All students, faculty, staff and area residents are invited to a vibrant and inclusive Intersectional Community Reception dedicated to celebrating the diverse experiences across the Hispanic and Latin diaspora. This event aims to foster connection, collaboration, and community building among individuals from various cultural backgrounds. The reception will be held from noon until 3 p.m. in the 1804 Lounge on the fifth floor of the Baker University Center on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

This year’s celebration will also include an ongoing collaboration with Ohio University’s Culinary Services to provide food offerings from across Latin America rotating across each dining hall on campus and West 82.

For more information, please see the Hispanic Heritage Month website.