Celebration of Hispanic and Latinx culture includes James W. Moore Lecture
Millikin University is proud to invite the campus and surrounding community to its annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Celebrated nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month acknowledges the history, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced to more than 20 countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
The official celebration of Hispanic heritage in the United States began in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a 30-day event spanning Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The start date was chosen because it coincided with the commemoration of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In the following days, the independence of other Latin American countries such as Mexico, Chile and Belize is also celebrated.
Millikin University's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration features the following events:
Friday, Sept. 16, 2022
Hispanic and Latina Women Panel
3-5 p.m., University Commons Banquet Rooms
Hear from a panel of Hispanic and Latina women as they share their life experiences. This event is hosted by Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. and Latin American Student Organization (LASO).
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022
The Walk of the Immigrants with Saul Flores
James W. Moore Lecture hosted by the Office of Campus Life and Office of the Provost
6-7 p.m. in the University Commons Banquet Rooms, followed by meet-and-greet with select students.
Saul Flores walked 5,328 miles through 10 countries to document the grueling and dangerous journey of immigrants to the United States. His journey also raised money for an elementary school in Atencingo, Mexico. The story of his journey, accompanied by a series of photographs, captures the essence of the people, communities and cultures he encountered along the way.
Friday, Sept. 23, 2022
Dulces with the Gammas
1-3 p.m., University Commons Lobby
Join Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. and taste candies and treats from Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022
Centro for Hispanic and Immigrant Community Opportunities (CHICO Decatur) Community Celebration
12-4 p.m., Fairview Park Pavilion #1, 2095 West Eldorado, Decatur, IL 62522
The Centro for Hispanic and Immigrant Community Opportunities (CHICO Decatur) will hold a Community Celebration on Sept. 25 from 12-4 p.m. in Fairview Park. Come join in the celebration with live music, food, craft vendors, raffles and more! Visit the CHICO Facebook page to learn more.
Friday, Sept. 30, 2022
La Fiesta
Hosted by Latin American Student Organization (LASO)
6-9 p.m., University Commons Banquet Rooms
Join LASO as they host a cultural celebration of Hispanic and Latinx culture, including food and music. All students welcome! Attire for this event is dress to impress.
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
Tango Del Cielo
7:30 p.m., Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Tango Del Cielo, a unique theatrical music and dance program, features a fusion of styles including tango, flamenco, Spanish classical and Latin jazz. The performance features award-winning musicians and world-champion dancers, and incorporates innovative staging, lighting and multimedia effects. This program is full of surprises and appropriate for audiences of all ages! For more about the program, visit tangodelcielo.com.
