Multicultural Programs Blog

National Latinx Heritage Month and Fiesta Time

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What Is Latinx Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

When is Latinx Heritage Month? 

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan 20 years later in 1988. The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community.

Why Do We Celebrate Latinx History Month?

Latinas and Latinos have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy.

Representation matters. Latinos and Latinas continue to shape our nation as business owners, activists, artists, public servants, and more. From serving in the U.S. military to being champions in the fight for civil rights, Latinas and Latinos remain strong leaders and changemakers.

It’s crucial to make sure that the contributions of the Latino community are showcased, and that Latinas and Latinos have a voice. Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is one of the largest racial/ethnic groups. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation for the better. 

The office of multicultural programs hosts events each year that represent the history of Latinos/Latinas over the centuries. Each school year in September, we celebrate Latinx Heritage month however, we don’t stop there. We include Latinx community focused events throughout the school year beyond the month of September. This helps to continue the conversations and celebration of those apart of the Latinx community every day, not just during Latinx Heritage month.

Upcoming events:

FIESTA TIME

Join the Office of Multicultural programs and URSI for our annual event: Fiesta Time! A fiesta is a celebration and derives from the Latin word festus, which means “festive, joyful, or merry”.  Enjoy a fabulous night of dancing, authentic catered food, and celebration of heritage! This event will take place on September 23rd from 6-8 pm in PSU Ballroom East. We hope to see you there!

Women’s HERstory Month Blog

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Women’s History Month is celebrated in March and it’s an annual celebration to recognize the accomplishments, contributions, and historical significance of women. From pioneers in science and technology to trailblazers in arts and activism, women have shaped our world in remarkable ways. 

 

Women’s History Month began as National Women’s History week, a local celebration in California. Organizers chose to start on March 8: International Women’s Day. A consortium of women’s groups then petitioned Congress and the White House in support of a national Women’s History Week. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated the first National Women’s History Week by Presidential Proclamation. Again, the week of March 8 – 12, 1980 was chosen to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. The following year Congress authorized Women’s History Week to begin the week of March 7. Congress continued to pass resolutions designating Women’s History Week for five more years, until 1987, when they established that all of March would be celebrated as Women’s History Month.

 

This Women’s History Month, we encourage you to celebrate the strength, compassion, resilience, and assertiveness that makes women and their stories unique. Let’s honor the diverse and powerful spectrum of qualities that define the incredible women shaping history. 

 

Throughout March we’re highlighting and celebrating the achievements of women on campus and within our communities through the events listed below:

 

Disability Awareness Panel, 1st, MRC, 1-2 PM

Listen to our panelists discuss their lived experiences of being disabled on Zero Discrimination Day. 

Women’s History Month Speaker, 5th, PSU Theatre, 7-8 PM

Join us for a mystery speaker that will be revealed by SAC closer to the day-of event. Free food will be offered. Sponsored by SAC & MRC!

Interfaith Panel, 7th, MRC, 6-7:30 PM

Hear from peers about their experience of faith and spirituality. 

Finding Peace Circle, 19th, MRC, 3:30-5 PM

Join us with MSU’s Sister Circle for journaling and meditation. Supplies will be provided. 

Game Night, 20th, MRC, 6-9 PM

Come and play card and board games while enjoying our free ice cream bar. We can’t wait to see you there!

Trans Visibility: Self-Concept Collage, 25th, MRC, 2:30-3:30 PM

Let’s create a self-concept collage about who you are! Supplies will be provided. 

Cha-TEA Time, 27th, MRC, 2-4 PM

Partnering with MSU’s URSI Latinx, Mexican Hot Chocolate and tea will be offered! Pop into the MRC for some new beverage delights and snacks and say hi to the MRC staff!

 

Let’s celebrate their achievements, uplift their voices, and continue to strive for gender equality every day!

Office of Multicultural Programs Secures Grant to Advance LGBTQ+ Initiatives 

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[Springfield, 02/22/2024] – The Office of Multicultural Programs is delighted to announce its recent success in securing a grant through Springfield Black Tie, a prominent local organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives through impactful fundraising efforts that benefit both local and national charities. 

The grant, totaling $25,500, represents a significant milestone for the Multicultural Programs office. This financial support will be instrumental in bolstering ongoing LGBTQ+ initiatives and further enhancing the inclusivity of the existing programming. 

Dr. Nina Barudzic, head of Multicultural Programs, expressed her pride in the accomplishment, highlighting that this marks the first time the office has applied for a grant. The successful acquisition of the Springfield Black Tie grant underscores the dedication and competence of the Multicultural Programs team and demonstrates the unwavering support received from university leaders. 

The funds from this grant will be strategically utilized to expand and fortify the LGBTQ+ initiatives already in place, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the university community. 

 

About the Office of Multicultural Programs: 

The Office of Multicultural Programs serves the cultural competence and education needs of students through our programs and initiatives such as: celebration of history & heritage month series, acknowledgment of cultures & languages, affirmation of identities, and empowerment of our students. The MRC also offers amenities such as: transition closet, room of reflection, collaboration rooms, study rooms, and a lounge area open to all students. 

About Springfield Black Tie: 

Springfield Black Tie is southwest Missouri’s premier fundraising event benefiting local and state-wide charities which serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and plus (LGBTQ+) community. Over the last 19 years, Springfield Black Tie has raised more than $1.5 million for LGBTQ organizations in southwest Missouri. 

Celebrating February: Black History Month

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Black History Month is the month-long commemoration of African American history and achievement. It has taken place each February in the United States since beginning in 1976. Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an enduring part of our country’s history.

The idea for a Black History Month was first conceived by the historian Carter G. Woodson and members of his Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). Together they organized a Negro History Week, beginning in February 1926. They selected the month of February for this celebration because it was close to the birthdays of the African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass and former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who was responsible for the Emancipation Proclamation. During the next 50 years, Negro History Week grew in popularity, with American cities initiating their own celebrations of Black achievements and with teachers—particularly in schools with a large percentage of African American students—using class time to discuss contributions to history made by notable African Americans. In 1976, Negro History Week was expanded to become it’s now known name, Black History Month.

At the beginning of the 21st century, Black History Month was celebrated with a range of events at public schools, universities, and museums as well as within individual communities across the country. It was sponsored at the national level by such groups as the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Gallery of Art, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

“We must never forget that Black history is American history. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.”

– Yvette Clarke, U.S Representative of New York

 

In honor of Black History Month, Multicultural Programs has assembled a month full of events in celebration of the historical month:

Thursday Talk: Bag Life, 1st, MRC, 1:00 PM-2:00 PM

Join our graduate assistant to talk about the experiences of Black entrepreneurs. 

 

Multicultural Love Panel, 6th, PSU 315, 5:00PM-6:30PM

Listen to our panelists discuss multicultural love and hear from couples of different identities and generations. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome to join!

 

Hip/Hop/R&B Canvas Painting, 15th, PSU Food Court, 5:30PM-7:00PM

Take on the task of painting a one-of-a-kind masterpiece while enjoying and singing along to Hip-Hop and R&B music. 

 

Movie Night with SAC, 16th, PSU Theatre, 7:00PM-9:00PM

Watch Bottoms with us, the LGBTQ+ friendly movie while enjoying free snacks! 

 

Speaker Night with SAC, 20th, PSU Theatre, 7:00PM-8:00PM

Join us to hear from our Black History Month speaker. Stay tuned for SAC’s reveal of the mystery speaker!

 

Sneaker Ball, 23rd, PSU Ballroom, 7:00PM-10:00PM 

Dress in your best formal attire and sneakers and attend the hip-hop sneaker ball!

 

All are welcome and we hope to see you there. Happy Black History Month!