The Mariachi Con Amigos, performed on Sept. 12 to kick off the celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Month, lasting from Sept. 15 to Oct.15.
Numerous events that mark Hispanic Heritage Month on the SDSU campus exist. One of these events is a leadership and mentorship workshop Sept. 27 in the Pheasant-Crest Room from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will also feature a one-hour-long keynote by Florencio Urias Aranda III from Tarlton State University.
In addition to that event, a lunch will be served Oct.6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. All SDSU students, as well as staff members, are encouraged to help themselves to a plate of Hispanic-style food and talk with the others in attendance.
Originally, Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebratory event in 1968. Twenty years later, the observance became, as we know it today, a month-long celebration.
Oscar Garcia, vice president of the Latin American Student Association said Hispanic Heritage Month is associated with a unique celebration of Hispanic culture, not only among strictly Hispanic people, but people of all ethnicities. Garcia also said that being a Hispanic living in South Dakota can serve as a way to become very close-knit with other Hispanic people who share similar values. Garcia thinks that this month-long celebration is a way to showcase a specifically rich culture among all different kinds of people.
Barbara Gonzalez, a member of the Latin American Student Association, said that being a Hispanic living in a predominantly conservative state can at times be frightening. Moments of disagreement between her and other ethnicities can occur. She added that how having this celebration can help inform people about certain differences between her culture and non-Hispanic people’s culture.
Oepke Niemeyer, the mayor of Brookings said that Hispanic Heritage Month is an necessity in Brookings due to the fact that it “serves as a good reminder about the important contributions of our Hispanic residents.” Niemeyer also said that “as members of our community’s workforce, they contribute to our economic well-being and growth. By sharing their culture and traditions, they add vibrancy to our city.”
Oepke said it is important that community members listen and learn from one another’s unique differences.
