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Activities include speakers, film screenings, art exhibits and community events.

By Rebecca Ruiz-McGill, University Communications
September 10, 2008

The University of Arizona on Thursday will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, which will offer a variety of events that are free and open to the public.

In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and other countries in Latin America.

UA activities include artists' receptions, panel discussions, speakers, film screenings, book signings and other community events.  

Among those hosting events, which run through Oct. 23, are the UA Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs and the UA Parents and Family Association. 

"The UA Social Justice Program has the responsibility of being a leader in bringing this celebration to the campus community as part of its mission," said Jessica Risco the Social Justice Program's graduate student assistant. Risco who is pursuing a graduate degree in public health said, "The Tucson community has a large Hispanic population and it is important to celebrate this community and inform others of what this culture entails." 

UA activities will begin Monday, but members of the UA community will help clean-up an area of the U.S.-Mexico border this Saturday.

On Monday, Mariachi music will fill the UA Mall from noon until 1 p.m.and will include announcements on activities planned for the month plus activities. Later, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Union Gallery – located on the third floor of the Student Union Memorial Center – will host an opening reception showcasing art that reflects "La Celebración y el Sufrimiento" (celebration and suffering). The art will be on display through Oct. 10.

Additional events include a presentation and discussion on Hispanics in the U.S. on Tuesday at the Chicano Hispano Student Center, which will be presented by Celestino Fernández, professor of sociology at the UA. Also on Tuesday, at 4:30, the UA BookStore will host author and activist Stella Pope Duarte, who will sign copies of her book, "If I Die in Juárez." 

Activities planned for Sept. 16 include a visit from the Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs' Abuelitas and Abuelitos (grandmothers and grandfathers) from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. This extended family of community experts visits the center on a regular basis to meet students to encourage success by sharing their life stories.

That same day, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Alison Deming from the UA department of English will host a creative writing workshop at the Union Gallery using the art from the "La Celebración y el Sufrimiento" showcase to inspire writers.  

The initial week's events end with the film screening of "La Misma Luna" (Under the Same Moon) on Sept. 19 at 1 p.m., Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., and Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gallagher Theater. The film is sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, and the cost is $3.

“The events give students an opportunity to grow and learn. It’s a very comprehensive list that covers a variety of issues facing Hispanics today and the agenda doesn’t shy away from complex issues. At the same time we celebrate being a Hispanic American and invite others to celebrate the commonality of being an American or simply being in Arizona studying at the UA,” said Socorro Carrizosa director of the Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs.