Image

Each year, the UMass Amherst campus community, like so many others nationwide, observes Latinx Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15. This is a time to honor and celebrate the Latinx community here at UMass, and the histories, cultures and contributions of Latinx communities from around the world.

Here at UMass Amherst, Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated in a wide variety of ways. Since September there have been everything from lectures and conversations to dinners and social gatherings. 

Our Latinx student community also has numerous resources at UMass Amherst to support their needs and success. The Latinx American Cultural Center (LACC) was established in 1989 by students of the diaspora to build community and peer support. The “x” was adopted around 2015 as a statement of gender inclusivity. The LACC is a space where Latinx students and allies at UMass can embrace and connect with their cultural community, engage in conversation about identity and social justice — or simply play a game of pool.

Defined Residential Communities (DRCs) are communities in UMass residence halls where students can live with hall mates who share similar interests, backgrounds, and identities. The DRCs are living and learning communities that support personal growth and academic success. One of those is El Barrio: Latinx Student Community. El Barrio is a DRC where Latinx students build connections and engage in dialogue surrounding identity and interest; as well as collaborating with other communities who face similar social, economic, and political issues.

The Latinx community at UMass Amherst values sharing their culture with others. Latinos Unidos, whose main goal is to bring together Latinx students on campus, is a student organization that has weekly meetings, hosts large events, and even has a dance team.

On the academic side, the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies offers all UMass students minor and certificate programs, and promotes research and public engagement on the histories and cultures of Latin America. Encompassing the study of the language and cultures of the Hispanic and Lusophone communities worldwide, our Spanish and Portuguese studies program offers majors in Spanish and Portuguese, as well as minors in Spanish, Portuguese, and Catalan.

Image

UMass Latinx alumni are making an impact well beyond Amherst. Read about how a UMass Latinx alum is the first Latinx individual to secure the position of superintendent at Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. Latinx alumni also stay in connected to the university through the Latinos of UMass online group, which seeks to promote networking events, social gatherings, professional development, and mentorship opportunities. 

As you can see, this year, and during every Latinx Heritage Month, we have a lot to celebrate at UMass Amherst. Our Latinx community continues to grow, as does the overall diversity of our student body. Here at UMass Amherst there is a desire to educate, create awareness, and celebrate students from every background and experience.