University News
WIU President Guiyou Huang: Latinx Heritage Month
September 13, 2021
Dear University Community,
Beginning on September 15, and continuing through to October 15, we recognize National Latinx Heritage Month. President Lyndon Johnson first declared Hispanic Heritage Week in September of 1968, and in 1988, U.S. Rep. Esteban Torres introduced legislation to expand Hispanic Heritage Week into a full month.
At Western Illinois University, we are proud to celebrate our Latinx students, faculty, and staff not only during this month-long celebration, but throughout the year. During this month, our University community – and beyond – have numerous opportunities to learn more about Latinx history and cultural roots. Thanks to the leadership of former WIU Professor Raul Rodolfo Salazar, WIU's first Latinx students joined together to form the Latin American Student Organization in the 1970s, a group that remains active today, and it was through their efforts that Casa Latina Cultural Center was established in 1973.
Join us at the WIU Multicultural Center as Casa Latina and our student organizations host a myriad of activities this month, starting with the popular "Bring Your Own Tortilla" event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15 on the MCC lawn. Engage in Spanish conversations at Café Y Hablamos on Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. at the center, and learn about Hero Street in Silvis, Illinois, during a documentary screening Wednesday, Oct. 13. The complete list of activities throughout the month, and more, is available at wiu.edu/casa. I look forward to taking part in some of these wonderful events.
While we celebrate the contributions and lives of the Latinx culture during this month, we have every day throughout the year to learn more about others, and promote equity, inclusivity, and diversity. Thank you to Casa Latina Cultural Center, the Multicultural Center, and our diverse student organizations for all that you bring to our campus and our communities.
Best wishes,
Guiyou Huang
President
Western Illinois University
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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