By: Jessie Monsivais
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This week marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate and recognize the achievements andbrcontributions of Hispanic American’s who have inspired others to succeed.brAccording to the National Archives and Records Administration, the observationbrbegan in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson andbrlater was lengthened to 30-days and enacted into law by President RonaldbrReagan.
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Embedded throughout both South Texas and the Coastal Bend, Hispanic culture is seen, celebrated, and honored. This weekend and through October, Corpus Christi will hold many celebrationsbrfor Hispanic Heritage Month.
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New to this year’s month long celebration at Texas A&MbrUniversity-Corpus Christi is the Las Muralistas Community Painting event on Friday,brSeptember 20 from 5 pm – 7 pm in the University Center, Anchor Ballroom A. Celebratebrwith prominent Corpus Christi female Muralists, Sandra Gonzalez, Mayra Zamora,brand Monica Marie Garcia by adding your own creative twist to the new muralbrdesigned by all three artists.
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“It is essential to recognize the contributions made bybrHispanic and Latino people,” says Muralist Sandra Gonzalez. “We need to teachbrour traditions to the younger generations to fully embrace our heritage.”
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Enjoy complimentary refreshments, while you paint! Afterwards,brthe completed mural will be on display in the University Center. The event is freebrand open to the public. For more information, email andrea.montalvo@tamucc.edu,bror call 361-825-2657.
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If you’re looking for an inspiring read or historybrrefresher, the DMC Mexican American Studies program and Texas Association ofbrChicanos in Higher Education chapter have you covered. Until October 15, DelbrMar College’s White Library features a display filled with books and filmsbrhighlighting Hispanic authors, artists, political activists, and filmmakers. Itemsbrare also available for checkout with a valid Del Mar College ID. For morebrinformation, call DMC Associate Professor of English Erica Rose Bertero atbr698-1433.
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Saturday September 28 features a discussion panel withbrChicas Rock Founder and Executive Director, Cecy Treviño de Oliveira and membersbrof Chicas Rock, followed by Folklorico dances inspired by La Catrina performedbrby Folklorico dancer, Teresa Saldivar.
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Chicas Rock, created in 2011, is a female exclusive musicbrcamp that builds self-esteem through music creation and performance. A Local’sbrList favorite, along with being one of the top three music schools in 2017 andbr2018, the group organizes drives for school supplies and helps numerousbrorganizations such as the Kids Helping Kids Program.
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“It is important (and also lots of fun) to get peoplebrtogether and bring cultural awareness to the general public in a space wherebrthey can ask questions and network with like-minded individuals,” shares Cecy.br“Art, music, and food from other cultures is a great way to bring peoplebrtogether!”
brbrThese are just a few of the ways you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month here in the Coastal Bend. Bringing people together and both honoring and embracing a integral part of the culture and history that makes up our community is so important. Let us know how you are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the comments below!
