Colorado State University-Pueblo, along with people throughout the rest of the country, will be celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
The holiday was enacted in 1968, which started out as a week-long holiday but was expanded to a 30-day period in 1988, in order to celebrate “the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America,” according to the holiday’s official website.
This year’s theme is “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories…One American Spirit,” according to the website.
The university has planned a variety of food events and speakers, as well as a student leadership luncheon and conference, according to a press release on the university’s website.
As a part of the celebration, as well as the Distinguished Speaker Series, Edward James Olmos is scheduled to present a speech titled, “We’re all in the Same Gang,” Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., in the Occhiato University Ballroom, according to the press release. Victor Villasenor, author of “Rain of Gold,” will make an appearance at the Rawlings Library, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m.
A presentation by Chris Picicci, Paul Conrad and Fawn-Amber Montoya, all CSU-Pueblo professors, will also take place at the Rawlings Library, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. It is titled, “Rethinking Columbus Day.”
There will be tortilla demonstration, as well as other food demonstrations, at Crestone Hall, Sept. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Also, a free food event will take place in the OUC’s Aspen Room, Sept. 27, at 4:30 p.m., as well as the annual Si Se Puede! Hispanic Leadership Luncheon in the OUC’s Hearthwell Lounge, Sept. 29, at 11:30 a.m., according to the press release.
Other events will take place during Hispanic Heritage Month. For a complete list, go to CSU-Pueblo’s website.