The table is set and there’s a seat for everyone as Missouri State University celebrates Latinx Heritage Month.
“Our students’ perspectives are really shown in the programming, and we have spent the year working with faculty, departments and students across campus,” said Garcia, executive director of multicultural programs and student diversity.
“We have dialogue sessions, celebrations and critical analysis of what it means to be Latinx, to really involve the whole community.”
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The events
Latino has commonly been the term used to describe the community as a whole, but Latinx is a newer, more inclusive gender neutral term.
“The plan for this month is to bring communities together, to learn about different cultures, what different countries are involved in Latin America and the communities there,” said Gracia. “This has really been a team effort, from diversity and inclusion, to the Career Center on the importance of bilingualism in the workplace.”
Sept. 8
Latinx Heritage Month kicks off at 5 p.m. on the North Mall outside the Plaster Student Union. At the kick-off there will be booths for student organizations, food from local restaurants and performances.
Sept. 23
Multicultural programs and international services work together to present Carnaval starting at 6 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union West Ballroom. There will be performances by student groups, traditional Latinx dishes and celebrations of culture.
Sept. 26
Latinx heritage shows through a discussion panel of what it means to be Latinx in the Ozarks starting at noon in Plaster Student Union, Room 313.
Oct. 10
Latinx Heritage Month concludes with the keynote address from Angel Colon. Colon survived the Pulse nightclub shooting June 12, 2016. He will address the intersections of his identity, being part of the Latinx community as well as a queer man.
For more information, contact Garcia-Pusateri at 417-836-3035.
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