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Carlie Pierre
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From Monday, September 15, through Wednesday, October 15, the Salem State University community comes together to celebrate the rich histories, lasting contributions and diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States and beyond. Learn more.
The theme for this year’s observance is "Collective Heritage: Honoring Our Roots, Inspiring Our Future." We invite you to attend and engage with our SSU community events, which are designed to explore the intersection of heritage, identity, and empowerment through art, scholarship, activism, and community dialogue.
This month is an opportunity to honor the vibrant traditions, histories, and experiences of Latinx and Hispanic communities here in the Northshore, the United States, and across the world. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges faced by Latinx communities and the resilience shown by generations past and present.
2025 Event List
Salem Lit Fest - A Conversation with Julia Alvarez
Sunday, September 7, 3 pm | Sophia Gordon Center Theater
Award-winning Dominican-American author Julia Alvarez will be discussing her latest work, “The Cemetery of Untold Stories” (El cementerio de los cuentos sin contar), in conversation with Keja Valens, Professor of English at Salem State University. The event will feature Spanish interpretation, ensuring accessibility for our diverse community. Register today.
Inauguration of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Celebration
Monday, September 15, 12-1:30 pm | Riley Plaza, Downtown Salem
Sponsored by: the City of Salem and the Latino Leadership Coalition
Open Mic Night
Wednesday, September 17, 7 pm to 9 pm | Ellison Campus Center Underground
Enjoy refreshments and share your talent or hear from local talent during a fun and entertaining open mic night. MC'd by Michelle 'La Poetica'.
Sponsored by: the Center for Justice and Liberation
Inclusive Excellence Lunch & Learn
Bad Bunny: Neocolonialism and Resistance in Post-Maria Puerto Rico
Friday, September 19, 11:30 am-1 pm | Marsh Hall Petrowski Room
Join us on September 19, the anniversary of Hurricane Maria, as we kick off our first Lunch & Learn of the academic year and celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month! This bilingual multimedia conversation focuses on what is going on in Puerto Rico today, from the lens of Puerto Rican urban music star and singer, Bad Bunny.
Bad Bunny has become a prominent voice for resistance in Puerto Rico, using his music and platform to amplify Puerto Rican identity and address issues such as political corruption, colonialism, and the island's socio-economic challenges. Through DTmF, Bad Bunny calls the Diaspora to resistance, resilience and joy. Listen to our curated playlist here.
Join us in person or on Zoom. In-person participants can enjoy a Puerto Rican lunch menu. Come test your Bad Bunny and Puerto Rican knowledge for chances to win exclusive Bad Bunny merchandise! Bring a friend or el corrillo.
Sponsored by: Inclusive Excellence and HSI-MSI Initiatives
Mural Tour of the Punto Urban Art Museum and Reception at Casa de Abuela Patio
Wednesday, September 24, 4:30-6 pm | Punto Urban Museum
The Latinx ERG invites faculty and staff to join us in downtown Salem for a Mural Tour of the Punto Urban Art Museum followed by a Reception at Casa de Abuela patio. For more information, please contact ERG co-leads Elisa Castillo & Michele Davila Goncalves.
RSVP today! Address: 91-1 Peabody St, Salem, MA 01970
Sponsored by: the Latinx Employee Resource and Affinity Group (ERG)
Latin American Dance Workshop
Thursday, September 25, 5-6:30 pm | ECC Veterans Hall
Impress your friends with your moves and get ready for your Baile Inolvidable. Join us to learn the basic steps to Merengue, Salsa and Bachata. This class will be facilitated by Music and Dance faculty, Greg Coles.
Sponsored by: the Center for Creative and Performing Arts, the Dance Department and HSI-MSI Initiatives
Point Neighborhood Mural and Faceless Dolls Tour
Join us for a guided tour of the many beautiful murals in the Point as well as the newest installation of faceless dolls structures at Palmer Cover Park. We will finish the tour with a dinner at a local Caribbean restaurant. Shuttle transportation will be provided. 5 PM departure from Ellison Campus Center.
Sponsored by: the Center for Justice and Liberation (CJL)
Know Your Rights + Immigration Session
Tuesday, October 14, 4:30-6 pm | Zoom
Sponsored by: Inclusive Excellence and HSI-MSI Initiatives in partnership with the Welcome Immigrant Network (WIN)
Critical Perspectives on Latino Education in MA Book Launch
Tuesday, October 14, 6-7:30pm | ECC Veterans Hall
Sponsored by: HSI-MSI Initiatives and McKeown School of Education in partnership with UMass Boston
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month ‘25 Dinner
Thursday, October 16, 5-7 pm | ECC Veterans Hall
Join us to honor our roots, feed your body and soul, and inspire our future. Come enjoy vibrant music, flavorful dishes representing various cultures in Latin America, and great company as we honor the diverse cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
This year's celebration will feature several guest speakers including Regina Zaragoza Frey, who serves as the DEI Director for the City of Salem's Race Equity Commission.
All are welcome, so bring your friends and your appetite—this is a night you won’t want to miss!
Sponsored by: the Center for Justice and Liberation and HSI-MSI Initiatives
Celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month with Viking Dining:
Every Wednesday at North Campus Café and Marsh Dining Hall
Lunch starts at 11 am and dinner starts at 5 pm.
- 9/17: Lunch at Marsh Dining; Dinner at North Campus Cafe
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9/24: Lunch at North Campus Cafe; Dinner at Marsh Dining
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10/1: Lunch at Marsh Dining; Dinner at North Campus Cafe
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10/8: Lunch at North Campus Cafe; Dinner at Marsh Dining
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10/15: Lunch at Marsh Dining; Dinner at North Campus Cafe
We’re excited to showcase a vibrant spread of LatinX flavors that celebrate tradition and comfort. Guests can look forward to indulging in creamy slices of sweet flan, fluffy tres leches cupcakes, and the festive?pan de muerto, perfectly paired with rich, frothy Abuelita hot chocolate. Savory favorites will include warm pupusas, flavorful street tacos, and more crowd-pleasers that highlight the heart of Latin cooking.
We’ll also feature quick and easy classics like?elote (Mexican street corn),?empanadas,?churros with chocolate dipping sauce,?arepas, and refreshing?aguas frescas. Each dish offers a taste of culture, warmth, and community.
Inclusive Excellence and Accessibility
Salem State University affirms its commitment to inclusive excellence by celebrating the cultures and voices that shape our shared future. Join us as we uplift the stories, resilience, and brilliance of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
All events are open to the campus community and the public.
For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access or email access@salemstate.edu.
