Skip to main content

2022 Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month at Salem State University

Honoring Hispanic, Latino/a/e/x, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Students, Faculty, and Staff

Salem State University celebrates Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month (National Hispanic Heritage Month) annually from September 15 to October 15, honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of students, employees, and campus community members whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

About Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month

The observation originally started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

Read more about Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Theater Department Fall Keynote: Jimena Bermejo

Thursday, September 8, 2022 l 4:30 pm
Sophia Gordon Center Main Stage

Jimena Bermejo is a multi-disciplinary artist, immigrant, mother, and educator from Mexico City, whose practice is concerned with the examination of race, trauma, feelings of being an "other," and various aspects of human relations. 

 

City of Salem Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising and Urban Art Museum Tour (Public Event)

Thursday, September 15, 2022 l 12 pm
Riley Plaza in Salem, MA 

Hosts: City of Salem, MA, Latino Leadership Coalition of Salem

Join the City of Salem and the Latino Leadership Coalition of Salem for the annual Flag Raising celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month! Following the ceremony, enjoy a guided tour of the Urban Art Museum. 

 

Latinx Literature Reading and Celebration 

Thursday, September 15, 2022 l 12-12:3 pm
Alumni Plaza 

Join the Salem State English department as we read and celebrate Latinx literature from various countries and traditions. 

 

Domino Tournament (Public Event)

Friday, September 16, 2022 l 5-7 pm
Charlotte Forten Park, 289 Derby Street, Salem, MA 

Join the Latino Leadership Coalition of Salem for their first Domino Tournament. Come cheer on players as they compete for the title of Champions! For questions, please contact Lucy Corchado at lcorchado@salemstate.edu.

 

Música Mondays: Latin DJ

Monday, September 19, 2022 l 11:30 am-12:30 pm                                                  Alumni Plaza 

Host: Center for Justice and Liberation

Enjoy Latin music with the Center for Justice and Liberation as we celebrate Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month!

 

Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Campus Mixer 

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 l 1-2:30 pm                                                              Ellison Campus Center Commuter Lounge  

Host: Center for Justice and Liberation

Vikings, join the Salem State community for our annual Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Student, Faculty, and Staff Mixer!

 

West Side Story (2021)

Thursday, September 22, 2022 l 6 pm                                                                 
Cinema Salem

Hosts: Center for Justice and Liberation and Cinema Salem

Vikings, enjoy a screening of West Side Story at Cinema Salem! Tickets are FREE to SSU Students while supplies last, provided by the Center for Justice and Liberation. To claim your ticket, please come to Ellison Campus Center Room 218E with a valid Student ID. 

 

Votar es Poder: Voting and the Hispanic Community Panel

Friday, September 23, 2022 l 11:30 am-12:30 pm                                                          Ellison Campus Center MLK Room

Hosts: Center for Justice and Liberation, Berry Institute of Politics 

Join the Center for Justice and Liberation and Berry Institute of Politics for a discussion with former Salem City Councilor Lucy Corchado, City of Salem Latino Affairs Coordinator Julio Mota, and student leaders on voting and issues impacting the Hispanic community.

 

Música Mondays: Mariachi Band 

Monday, September 26, 2022 l 11:30 am-12:30 pm                                                      Alumni Plaza 

Host: Center for Justice and Liberation

Enjoy Mariachi with the Center for Justice and Liberation as we celebrate Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month!

 

What Does it Mean for Salem State to be an Emerging Hispanic Institution (HSI)?

Monday, September 26, 2022 l 12-1 pm                                                               
Location to be Announced by Inclusive Excellence 

Host: Inclusive Excellence 

Join Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Keja Valens, PhD for a discussion on Salem State and its work as an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

 

Teatro Tuesday: José

Tuesday, September 27, 2022 l 6-8:30 pm                                                             
Ellison Campus Center Veterans Hall

Host: Center for Justice and Liberation

Join the Center for Justice and Liberation as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and explore issues of identity, culture, and intersectionality through film.

JoséJosé lives with his mother in Guatemala. It's a tough life in one of the most violent and religious countries. When he meets Luis, he is thrust into new-found passion and pain. RSVP if you would like to attend.

 

Música Mondays: Latin DJ  

Monday, October 3, 2022 l 11:30 am-12:30 pm                                                          Marsh Quad

Host: Center for Justice and Liberation

Enjoy Latin music with the Center for Justice and Liberation as we celebrate Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month!

 

Latinx Goodiebags Pop-Up 

Tuesday, October 4, 2022 l 11:30 am-12:30 pm                                                          Alumni Plaza 

Host: Center for Justice and Liberation

Join the Center for Justice and Liberation on Alumni Plaza to grab a Latin inspired goodie bag as we celebrate Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month!

 

Compartiendo Cuentos de Esperanza: Sharing Tales of Hope

October 4 & 5, 2022 l Drop-In 11 am-1 pm                                                                Library, 1st Floor

Host: Frederick E. Berry Library

Join the Frederick E. Berry Library for zine making during Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month! Students, faculty, and staff will be able to contribute pages to community zines about Hispanic/Afro-Latino/a/e/x/ heritage and experiences. Materials and prompts will be provided. Contributions in Spanish and English are encouraged. 

 

Ahora Let's Write: Multilingualism and Multiple Englishes in the Classroom

Thursday, October 6, 2022 l 3-4 pm                                                                              Ellison Campus Center MLK Room

Hosts: Inclusive Excellence and Center for Teaching Innovation 

Join Professors Melanie González, PhD and Keja Valens, PhD for a professional development workshop on multilingualism in the classroom. 

 

Michelle Garcia Fresco: El Lenguaje Importa 

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 l 3-4 pm                                                                          Ellison Campus Center MLK Room

Hosts: Center for Justice and Liberation and Inclusive Excellence 

Michelle Garcia Fresco is a Dominican poet and performance artist who explores issues of language, identity, and oppression. Join us for a performance and interactive Q&A.

 

Finding Oscar Film Screening 

Thursday, October 13, 2022 l 4:30-6:30 pm                                                                    SB 208

Host: History Department 

In 1982 amid Guatemala's brual civil war, 20 army commandos invaded the jungle hamlet of Dos Erres disguised as rebels. Only a handful survived. One, a 3-year old boy, was abducted by a Kaibil officer and raised by his family. It took 30 years for Oscar Alfredo Ramírez Castañeda to learn the truth. Professor Avi Chomsky, PhD will facilitate a discussion following the film. 

 

Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month Dinner ft. Salem State University Trustee Samanda E. Morales '98

Thursday, October 13, 2022 l 6:30-9 pm                                                                        Ellison Campus Center Veterans Hall

Host: Center for Justice and Liberation

Join the Salem State campus community as we come together to celebrate and close our Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month! Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, socializing, and free food. You will not want to miss our keynote speaker, Salem State University Trustee Samanda E. Morales '98, and a special visit from the Diablos Cajuelos! Please be sure to RSVP.

 

ALL MONTH LONG 

Spanish Inspired Dishes with Sodexo

Every Wednesday l Lunch and Dinner                                                                        Marsh Dining Hall

Host: Viking Dining 

Enjoy Spanish inspired dishes in Marsh Dining Hall every Wednesday during Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month! 

 

Nuestras Historias, Nuestra Herencia/Our Stories, Our Heritage

Monday through Friday l 7:45am-9 pm                                                                    Library 1st Floor 

Host: Frederick E. Berry Library

Stop by the IDEA Den at the Frederick E. Berry Library to explore and enjoy Hispanic and Afro-Latino/a/e/x literature. 

 

For questions regarding these events, please contact Sam Lim.

All events are for Salem State University students and employees only, unless otherwise noted. For additional events, please visit salemstate.edu.

---

Thank you to our 2022 Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month Planning Collaborative with representatives from: Academic Affairs, the Alumni Association, Athletics, Berry Institute of Politics, Center for Justice and Liberation, Fredrick E. Berry Library, Inclusive Excellence, Latin American Student Organization, the Provost's Office, Sodexo, and Student Life 

Contact
Center for Justice and Liberation
Back to top