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������̳’s campus community is recognizing National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with an array of educational and celebratory events and activities, from guest speakers and theatrical performances to dining and dancing.

The festivities kicked off Sept. 13 with the colorful, annual Parade of Nations through the Quad, where students and staff proudly march through the heart of campus carrying the flags of all different nations. Immediately following the parade, the 12-person musical group Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra climbed atop a makeshift stage near Schumacher and serenaded the crowd. Dozens of students, employees and visitors enjoyed Hispanic cuisine and danced together during the fiesta.

On Sept. 18, University President Alberto Cardelle was one of four featured speakers during SUNY's Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff event, a virtual program called “Lunch and Learn: Cultural Awareness and Humility to Effect Change in Higher Education,” presented by SUNY’s Hispanic Leadership Institute. Speakers discussed how to navigate cultural differences and foster more effective and inclusive interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.

Celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 (in alignment with the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries), Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is a chance to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic people, the country’s fastest-growing racial or ethnic minority, according to the U.S. census. This includes those whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

“This is a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures and contributions of Hispanic/Latinx communities while reinforcing our dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion at ������̳,” said Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bernadette Tiapo. “We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging at ������̳ and reflecting on how our diverse backgrounds strengthen growth and innovation.”

On Thursday, Sept. 26, special guest Javier Ávila will present his one-man show “The Trouble with My Name” at 6 p.m. at the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence (CRJIE) in Lee Hall, using poetry and storytelling to deliver a message about unity and inclusion. Ávila—an English professor, poet, novelist and public speaker—has earned numerous awards, including the Cultural Arts Award given by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, Dining Services is hosting a Hispanic Food Festival at Mills Marketplace from 1 to 4 p.m. That same day from 6 to 7:15 p.m., and again Friday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., there will be a musical theater performance of “Cruzando Ensueños" in the Fine Arts’ Hamblin Theater. This is a Spanish musical performed by Georgina Saldaña and directed by Liliana Alberto that honors those who lost their lives on their way to the United States. Friday’s performance will be followed by a workshop that focuses on the performance of rituals.

Campus celebrations will culminate Friday, Oct. 18, with the annual Belonging in Oneonta Festival at the CRJIE from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This will be a fair and “celebration of togetherness” featuring Oneonta businesses, resources and organizations.

“The events we have planned, which are free and open to the public, highlight the strength found in diversity,” said President Alberto Cardelle, “and encourage a shared sense of belonging and mutual respect. All are welcome to join us in embracing the spirit of togetherness and cultural appreciation.”