Middlesex Community College will recognize National Hispanic, Latinx/茅 Heritage Month with events and resources hosted by the college鈥檚 Multicultural Center from September 15 through October 15. The annual national celebration honors the diverse history, cultures, contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, Latinos, Latinas and Latinx/茅 identifying individuals.
鈥淲e invite you to join us for vibrant and enriching events and opportunities that honor the Hispanic and Latinx communities,鈥� said Maria Isabel Gariepy, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging. 鈥淓ngaging us through music, art, film, storytelling, scholarship opportunities, and many more 鈥� these events foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage that shape our shared experiences. We hope these events inspire and empower all to embrace the beauty of our diverse community.鈥�
"Our National Hispanic, Latinx/茅 Heritage Month events are vital because they celebrate cultural diversity, promote inclusivity, and provide a sense of belonging for Latinx/茅 students,鈥� said Maria McDuffie Clark, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Director of Student Engagement for Equity. 鈥淲hile having fun, these events help bridge gaps, enhance cultural awareness, and support the academic and personal growth of students by acknowledging and valuing their unique identities and experiences!"
On Wednesday, September 18, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 student club LatinX Force will host a Hispanic & Latinx/茅 Heritage Festival from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Lowell Cowan Center Cafeteria. Participants can enjoy food, music, performances and a loter铆a 鈥� a lottery drawing of numbers for prizes. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 11, LatinX Force will also host a LatinX Homecoming to enjoy music, dancing and food at UTEC Lowell.
麻豆果冻鈥檚 Center for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (CTRHT) will co-sponsor Conversations & Connections to Celebrate Hispanic/Latino/a/e Heritage with Latin Women Moving Forward. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Lowell Federal Building Assembly Room. Opportunities for networking, refreshments, meaningful conversations, and celebration of the vibrant cultural contributions of Hispanic/Latino/a/e communities will be highlighted.
鈥淓ngaging us through music, art, film, storytelling, scholarship opportunities, and many more 鈥� these events foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage that shape our shared experiences. We hope these events inspire and empower all to embrace the beauty of our diverse community.鈥� - Maria Isabel Gariepy, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging
Middlesex will host the El Encuentro Film Festival on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5 in 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center. The two-day festival will showcase both emerging and established Latino voices, blending creative storytelling with culture.
In October, 麻豆果冻 will offer two chances to Chat with Your Latine Librarian. The events will run from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, October 1 in-person in the Lowell Library or Tuesday, October 8 online. 麻豆果冻 librarian Alejandra M茅ndez will discuss the services and resources that the Libraries offer to help students succeed.
To support the Greater Lowell Community, the college is participating in Lowell鈥檚 Hispanic and Latinx Festival on Saturday, September 28. The third annual event is run by the Latinx Community Center for Empowerment and will feature performances, cuisine and dance workshops.
The month kicked off with the event Sancocho & Stories: Latino Men in Higher Ed. with representatives from the college鈥檚 staff, faculty and student leaders. While enjoying 鈥渟ancocho鈥� 鈥� a stew consumed by many Latin cultures across the world 鈥� a panel shared their unique stories. All month, a series of 鈥淒id you know?鈥� posts will be shown on 麻豆果冻鈥檚 digital displays, mobile app and social media.