As an Hispanic Serving Institution, Hispanic Heritage Month (HMM) holds a prominent place in the mind of many UHD faculty, staff, and students, especially considering that over half of Gator students have Hispanic heritage. The annual, national celebration runs from Sep. 15 until Oct. 15, and acknowledges, highlights, and affirms the innumerable contributions the Hispanic community has left on the nation, Houston and, life at UHD.
The month-long celebration will close with LatinFest, which highlights the various Latinx/e communities and cultures within UHD and the greater Houston area, and will feature performances by Danza Azteca, Danza Garifuna, the Conjunto Cultural Appreciation Student Organization, and a Selena Tribute Show. Attendess will also have the chance to sample dishes from various Latino communities in Houston and around the world. Presented by the Center for Latino Studies, the event takes place at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, in ACAD300.
"LatinFest is more than just an event," said Albert DeJesus-Rivera, Director for the Center for Latino Studies. "It's a celebration of our shared history and a testament to the vibrant culture that has enriched our community and university. We're honored to provide a platform for our students, faculty, and staff to connect with their heritage and learn about the contributions of the Hispanic community."