219 South Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48824
USA
The Latino Heritage Month Kick Off is the beginning of a series of events that will take place during Latino Heritage Month at Michigan State University.
Latino Heritage Month Kick Off
Agenda
6:30 PM: Resource Fair & Network – Meet and learn more about the different Latino Student Organizations on campus
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Reception – Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres as you learn about student success initiatives by MSU Administrators
8:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Baile – Dance the night away to all kinds of Latino music: salsa, bachata, cumbia, norteno, reggueton and much more. This will also be a great opportunity to meet more of the Latino student body in a relaxed social setting.
About Latino Heritage Month
Latino Heritage Month celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. It begins each year on September 15, which is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12. Latinos have had a profound and positive influence on our country and have shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.
The observation 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.
The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or “another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.” According to this Census, 50.5 million people or 16% of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.
