UW-Parkside Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Events

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is proud to host its annual celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, starting today through Oct. 14. Hispanic Heritage Month is nationally recognized from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and aligns with the independence days of many Latin American countries.

The monthlong celebration at UW-Parkside recognizes the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic/Latin Americans. This month provides the opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate leadership, cultural intricacies, and music through various events and activities.  

Katherine Zuleta Bacaro, a junior graphic design major at UW-Parkside said, “Hispanic Heritage Month makes me feel like we can learn about our roots, connect with other ethnicities (we’re very family-oriented), share our food and music. It’s important because it helps others have a different point of view and it gives others a part of you.” 

This year’s lineup of events begins with the Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff, today at 4 p.m., in the UW-Parkside Student Center Terrace. This event highlights local talent and community members by recognizing the importance of leadership and advocacy. UW-Parkside is honoring local leaders for their contributions to the Hispanic community.

Mrs. Gema Soria Arcos serves as a program coordinator at St. Mark’s Catholic Parish of Kenosha and has served in multiple councils within the Parish, including School Advisory Council and Hispanic Council. Mr. Raul Hernandez serves as a legal coordinator for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of American (ELCA) Outreach Center of Kenosha, assisting with legal matters related Social Security and disability services. The evening celebration will welcome La Perla Tapatia, led by Liliana Retana and her young performers with colorful dresses and impressive folkloric dancing.  

Following the Kick-Off event, there will be a variety of events, including student-led conversations. The conversations will be led by UW-Parkside’s MOSAIC educators (Motivating Our Students to Advocate for an Inclusive Campus). They will facilitate a workshop on mainstream musical artists and activism. 

The College of Arts and Humanities has been instrumental in showcasing talented artists for this year's celebration via their Noon Concert Series, along with an Author Talk, featuring Frederick Luis Aldama, who will lead a conversation related to Latinx stories and identity. The Noon Concert Series is free to the public and will showcase two musical groups: Mariachi Mexico International and guest performers “Inti Raymi.”

The monthlong celebration at UW-Parkside is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, the College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies, UW-Parkside Library, Latinos Unidos, the College of Arts and Humanities, and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.  

For the full list of events and for more details, visit uwp.edu/hhm.