Ferris State University's Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center strives to be the statewide
leader in innovative and culturally responsive pre-college through post-secondary
education for Latinx students success by creating a seamless connection between the
University and Latinx communities.
Ferris State University is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with conversations, food and dancing to bring people together and create rich experiences.
Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center Director Sonia Trevino said their committee partners include the Office of Multicultural Student Services, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and faculty in the Spanish for the Professions program.
“We are proud to have arranged a diverse schedule, with opportunities for fun and dance, or meaningful discussion, to serve those interested in such opportunities,” Trevino said. “This celebration is a chance for faculty, students and staff to come together with the local community and gain from what we believe will be rich experiences.”
The opening event kicked off on Tuesday mid-afternoon, Sept. 19, with food trucks and live music in the Robinson Quad.
“There will be food and music at each of our events, which are open to the campus community and our friends in Big Rapids and beyond,” Trevino said. “We are very excited and hope for a great turnout.”
On Thursday, Sept. 28, an intercultural discussion panel will be available in Room 217 of the David L. Eisler Center from 4 to 6 p.m. Trevino said the Spanish for the Professions program and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center are their partners in the discussions they have planned.
“Our first subject is discovering the hidden voices of the LGBTQ+ community in the Hispanic and Latin@ cultures,” Trevino said. “We will conclude this panel program with a discussion to address denouncing ‘Machismo,’ as it is found in the Hispanic-Latin@ community.”
The work of a Michigan-based filmmaker comes to the Interdisciplinary Resource Center Room 120, as Cynthia Martinez’s 2022 production “First Voice Generation” will be presented on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. Trevino said they are proud that Martinez will be participating in a question-and-answer session following the screening.
“This documentary-style film traced several students’ journeys in education, from the COVID-19 pandemic on to their college days,” Sonia said. “Three individuals are featured in this work, though Rogelio Esparza, a Ferris student, was part of the original gathering of content. He is a regular part of our Center’s life and activities. It is great that we will be able to highlight a director from Holland, Michigan and consider the experience of these students.”
The final event is a dance on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the David L. Eisler Center ballrooms.
“This ‘Celabracion’ is an opportunity to learn salsa dancing, and we look forward to enjoying live music and the mix of cultures we hope will join us that evening,” Trevino said. “We are thrilled to be bringing this to the university and community.”
Anyone wishing to attend a Hispanic Heritage Month event can contact the Center by email for assistance with accommodation to participate. Hispanic Heritage celebrations have been on the national scene since 1968, with a 1988 act of Congress signed into law by President Ronald Reagan that set Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as the period to recognize contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans in the history, culture and achievements of the United States.