Hispanic Heritage Month brings connection through culture on campus

By Nicole Wadkins
Staff Reporter

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Every year, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States. It is a time to celebrate and honor the culture of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States.

At Lansing Community College, students and staff come together to share traditions, both on campus and in their lives.

This fall, the Hispanic Heritage Committee will host a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration sometime in October. This event involves painting skulls, an ofrenda, and a space for students to learn about the tradition.

Sohpia Estrada-Ferreira, co-chair of the committee, stated in an email that their mission is to provide educational awareness and empowerment to Hispanic/Latinx students and staff. “We all volunteer our time, and since we work in different departments, it takes a lot of coordination,” Estrada-Ferreira said, “but we do it out of passion for our community and students.”  

Sarah Ortiz, a committee member and the manager of enrollment support services, stated in an email the benefits of holding these types of events. “Representation,” Ortiz said,“and having a space where students feel welcome and accepted.”

Students interested in connecting more with the Hispanic/Latinx community are also welcome to join LUCERO (Latinos Unidos con Energia Respeto y Orgullo) or visit the Cesar Chavez Multicultural Center in the Arts and Science building.

For many in the LCC community, Hispanic Heritage month is personal.

Max Alcantar, a first-generation Mexican American, celebrates with his family and friends by “sharing a traditional meal with family on the weekends, especially around Mexican Independence Day,” Alcantar said in an email. He also rewatches classic Mexican shows like “El Chavo del Ocho” and “La Escuelita VIP.”

Strategic Enrollment Management Support Specialist Kathy Nino Sotelo, whose family is from Acapulco, recalls building ofrendas and preparing food with her family. Her favorite memory was “seeing my mom cook ponche for Christmas,” she said in an email. “Another one of my favorite traditions is making tamales in my mom’s dining room for Christmas.”

LCC student Yobani Enriquez, who identifies as Mexican, stated it was the family and community gatherings that are the most meaningful part of his heritage. His favorite traditions are the “family celebrations, such as quinceañeras,” Enriquez said in an email. “The traditional foods are delicious but realizing how much goes into it helps me appreciate it so much more.”

Even after October 15, the celebrations do not stop.

Estrada-Ferreira continues her work through community activism and attending local Dia de los Muertos events.

Ortiz supports Hispanic businesses and seeks out Hispanic authors. She recently enjoyed "Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Both Alcantar and Enriquez carry traditions year-round, whether through food, family gatherings or even answering questions about their heritage.

Hispanic Heritage Month may last for four weeks, but at LCC, the traditions and stories continue throughout the year.