The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute is coordinating an array of academic and cultural events in conjunction with the national observance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The observance, which began Sept. 15 and will conclude Oct. 15, honors the contributions of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. while highlighting the diverse heritage and culture of Latin America. This year’s celebration includes a film festival, lectures, dance performances and fiestas at UGA and in the Athens community. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund and Hispanic Student Association will sponsor “A Evening with Sylvia Mendez” on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel, A longtime Latino civil rights leader, Mendez will share her insights on Mendez v. Westminster, her family’s legal fight in 1947 to give all children access to education. The case ended segregation in California schools, setting a precedent for Brown v. Board of Education seven years later.
A coffee reception with Mendez will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute.
The Georgia Museum of Art is presenting the Latin American Film Festival, “Immigration and Transnational Experiences.” Admission is free to the films, which will be shown every Thursday through Oct. 13 at the museum. Films, their date and time include: Norteado, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m.; Los que se quedan, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.; Grandma Has a Videocamera, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.; and Biutiful, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.
On Sept. 26, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., will host “Rep Your Pride” at Tate Plaza from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is a fundraiser in which participants will be able to purchase a plain white T-shirt and use the provided supplies to create a shirt that represents their culture, flag, heritage, etc.
On Sept. 29, the Caribbean Student Association will host Taste of the Islands at 6 p.m. at Myers Quad. At 7:45 p.m., the Latino Legislation Educational Forum will be held in the Miller Learning Center. The forum will provide information on current political policies regarding Latinos and examine how the legislation affects various sectors of the state.
On Oct. 6, Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead will be observed from 7-9:30 p.m. at Tate Student Center Plaza. Folk music and hot chocolate with pan dulce will be provided. Attendees also can learn more about Mexican culture by viewing a traditional altar to honor a deceased person.
On Oct. 7, Susan Eckstein, professor of sociology and international relations at Boston University, will discuss “Cuba: Remittances and their Unintended Consequences” at 3:30 p.m. in Room 114A of Baldwin Hall. A paper related to the talk will be available for download at www.uga.edu/gcph beginning Sept. 30.
On Oct. 15, the Hispanic Student Association will host Noche Latina: Noche de Carnaval from 6-10 p.m. in Grand Hall of the Tate Student Center. Admission is $8 for the general public and $5 for UGA students.
On Oct. 19, the Office of Multicultural Services and Programs will screen the film abUSed: The Postville Raid at 6:30 p.m. in the Tate Theatre.
Hispanic Heritage Month will conclude Oct. 22 with the second annual Athens Latino Fest, a showcase of the talent and contributions of the Athens-area immigrant community. It will begin at noon at the Athens Latino Center for Education and Services, 165 E. Dougherty St.