Students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Tristan Brew |
Hispanic Heritage Month at Lipscomb
Click here for a photo feature of Hispanic Heritage Month events
Between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 local communities, churches and universities, including Lipscomb University, take part in the celebration and observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. The national event celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture and honors five Central American neighbors who celebrate their independence in September.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Lisa Steele, assistant dean and director of the Office of Intercultural Development, along with FUTURO, a professional association for Latino college students, hosted a number of events.
FUTURO sponsored the Fall Fiesta on Sept. 24 for all students featuring cultural discussion and appreciation, a mariachi band, traditional dance and several authentic Hispanic food choices. The OID also sponsored a showing of “Landfill Harmonic,” a documentary film set in Paraguay.
Lipscomb’s weekly Multicultural Awareness, Skills and Knowledge (M.A.S.K.) chapel services featured guest speakers such as Jacky Gomez of the Hispanic Family Foundation, Fabian Bedne, member of the Nashville Metro Council, and a special discussion about recent developments with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program featuring three students, Jackie Herrera, Katherine Climaco and Luis Vargas.
“Here at Lipscomb we celebrate cultural diversity all year, but are pleased to especially focus on the rich culture, experiences and contributions of Latinos in the United States during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Through speakers, events and conversations we can all grow in fellowship, cultural competency and understanding of our Latino community,” Steele said
“It is important to recognize and celebrate our achievements during a time in which the Latino community has been made the target of much scrutiny,” said Jackie Herrera, a junior psychology major. “We are a diverse people with beautiful histories, cultures and contributions that we want to show and invite others to be a part of.”
Lipscomb students were also encouraged to take part in many local community events including Plaza Mariachi El Grito event, the Nashville Taco Festival, the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival and the Dia de Los Muertos event presented by Cheekwood.
To learn more about Lipscomb’s OID and how they encourage students to value and embrace opportunities, visit www.lipscomb.edu/intercultural.