SIUC celebrates Latino Heritage Month

David Leija said he was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, but was brought to the U.S. at a young age when his parents were looking for more freedom and opportunities.

Leija, a senior studying music business and Spanish, said he likes the U.S., but Mexico is still a part of him and his heritage.

“When I’m over here, I feel like I’m from over there, and when I’m over there, I feel like I’m from over here,” Leija said. “It’s hard to integrate them both.”

Lejia and other Hispanic students will have a chance to teach others about their culture as National Latino Heritage Month started Sept. 12.

National Latino Heritage Month began with the 13th annual welcome picnic and will continue through Oct. 15. Students can take salsa dance lessons, make piñatas, listen to guest speakers and participate in a tamale festival. The theme for this year’s Latino Heritage Month is “Embracing the Fierce Energy of Now.”

Last year, more than 600 students and community members attended Noche de Gala, a formal salsa dancing celebration, which is scheduled for Friday in the Student Center Ballroom D, said Carl Ervin, coordinator of student development-multicultural programs and services. Ervin said he expects an even bigger crowd this year because the event draws so much attention from students, faculty and community members.

“It’s just one culture in a community of cultures,” he said. “It’s not the only time we celebrate (Hispanic heritage). We just highlight it a little bit more.”

Ervin said it is important for students to take part in the month’s festivities because most of college is gaining experiences outside the classroom. He said the goal is to make Latino Heritage Month a true awareness activity.

Julian Rios, a senior from Kankakee studying business management and marketing, is scheduled to give a presentation about Hispanic immigration on Sept. 29 in the lower level of Grinnell Hall. Rios said his father immigrated to America to support his family. His presentation will focus on why immigrants go through so much trouble to come to America and what they do when they get here.

Latino Heritage Month will end with the ninth annual Unity Dinner Oct. 24 at the Newman Student Catholic Center. The formal event will celebrate all cultures at the university with an emphasis on Hispanic culture.

“Repetition is what is going to make people remember how much we cherish our culture and appreciate every day,” Rios said.

Christina Spakousky can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 258.