CSUB celebrating Latinx Heritage Month

Several events being held to recognize Latinx culture, contributions

By California State University, Bakersfield

September 15^th, 2022

National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off today, and California State University, Bakersfield is one of many universities that is celebrating the occasion.

CSUB’s celebration — titled Latinx Heritage Month — will be held from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and will also be in conjunction with Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Week, which runs Sept. 12-16.

Festivities will begin with a kick-off event today at 12 p.m. at the Student Union patio. There will be free food available, including paletas from La Rosa. In addition, Fiesta Night will be held at 7 p.m. during the women’s soccer game against CSU Northridge and will include free food and entertainment.

“As an HSI, I think it’s important that CSUB commemorates and celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month in a very robust, conscious and intentional way,” said Dr. Alicia Rodriquez, a history professor and member of CSUB’s Latina/o Faculty and Staff Association. “This is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Latinas and Latinos in building this country, everything from physical infrastructure to the culture of the region.”

CSUB was federally designated as an HSI in 1998. A university is federally designated as an HSI if Hispanic students make up more than 25% of full-time equivalent undergraduates. Currently, over 60% of undergraduates at CSUB identify as Hispanic.

“I think we’re in a unique position — geographically, historically — to be able to really recognize the debt that all Americans owe to this group for its contributions,” Dr. Rodriquez said. “There’s not just one narrative that makes up the history of the United States. It’s a very complex narrative in which many groups made contributions.”

Several events are being planned for September and October in recognition of Latinx Heritage Month. A Teacher Read Aloud event will take place on Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Teacher Education Lecturer Maria Pilar Avelar will read the book “Playing Loteria,” or “El Juego de la Loteria,” by René Colato Laínez.

Motivational Monday will be held on Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. at the Student Union. Pan dulce and coffee will be provided. On Oct. 15, Viva Los `Runners will be held during the men’s soccer game at 7 p.m. at the main soccer field.

Other events are in the works but do not yet have confirmed locations, including a Paint Night on Sept. 26 and Expression Nights on Sept. 29.

Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President Claudia Catota said she hopes students will take advantage of the learning opportunities these events offer.

“I hope our students take the time to attend many of the events planned throughout the month to learn more about our accomplishments but also to reflect on the work that yet still needs to be done for a more just society,” she said.