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Students at the University of South Carolina Aiken kicked off Hispanic / Latinx Heritage Month on Sept. 14 with Spanish- and Latin-inspired food and music in the Student Activities Center ("SAC"). A series of events is planned in recognition of the month, which runs from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15.
"I think it's important for all students to understand Spanish culture," said Haily Pineda, president of the university's Hispanic Student Association. "Hispanic culture is not just one country; it's many countries and you can learn a lot."
Pineda, whose family is from Mexico, spoke about her summer experience traveling abroad. She even had a table showcasing unique pieces of hand-made pottery, clothes, and candy she collected on her trip. "It was wonderful. It was the first time I had gone," she said. "It was so surreal but almost kind of nostalgic to walk the same streets my parents walked and get to eat the food."
As part of the kick-off event, students also had the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test with a trivia game hosted by Dr. Stephanie Orozco, assistant professor in the Department of Languages, Literature, and Cultures at USC Aiken.
The Hispanic Student Association is one of the newest organizations on USC Aiken's campus and is inviting anyone with an interest in learning more about Hispanic culture to join. Interested parties can contact Orozco at Sorozco@usca.edu, Pineda at hpineda@usca.edu, or David Negrete at negretev@usca.edu.
Below is a full list of events honoring Hispanic / Latinx Heritage Month on campus:
Paper Children (Ninos de papel) Inside America's Overwhelmed Asylum System Documentary
B&E, Room 140
Monday, Sept. 18
5 p.m.
Hispanic and Latinx Student Panel
B&E, Room 140
Wednesday, Sept. 27
4:30 p.m.
Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration
Augusta Commons
Friday, Sept. 29 & 30
Encanto Movie Showing
Parking Lot D
Thursday, Oct. 5
6 p.m.
Come Play Loteria
Gregg-Graniteville Library, Lobby
Friday, Oct. 6
1 p.m.
For more information, contact Angela Saxon, angela.saxon@usca.edu