San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges and San Diego Continuing Education will be celebrating Latino culture and contributions with music, exhibits, discussions, and more when National Hispanic Heritage Month gets underway Sept. 15.
In addition, October 14-18 has been declared Undocumented Student Week of Action, and San Diego Community College District campuses will host events to build support for undocumented students.
All Hispanic Heritage Month events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Among the events:
Wednesday, September 11, from 12:45 to 2:10 p.m.
Eternos Indocumentatdos: Central American Refugees in the U.S.
This film captures the stories of Central American refugees and explores the root causes of forced migration.
San Diego City College, MS-162, C and 16th streets, 92101.
Through Wednesday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chromatic: Grounding with Color
Latina artist Katie Ruiz and April Rose display their work, Chromatic: Grounding with Color.
San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery, Room FA-103, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.
Tuesday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to noon
Living Los Sures
This film looks at the challenges facing Puerto Rican and Dominican community in Brooklyn that had once been called the worst ghetto in America.
San Diego City College, SUBIR Cultural Center/Dreamer Resource Center, Room AH-200-A, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Wednesday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Suicide Prevention Fair
This event is aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding those seeking help for an issue that disproportionately impacts the Latinx community.
San Diego City College, Curran Plaza, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Thursday, September 26, from 10:30-11:30a.m.
Latinx Monthly Speaker Series
Connect with Mesa Latinx faculty, staff, and administrators in a unique way. Learn about the Brazilian cultural heritage of Dean Susan Topham and how that shaped her choices and career pathways when she moved to the U.S.
San Diego Mesa College, AVANZA Engagement Center, I4-203, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.
Thursday, September 26, from 11:10 a.m.-12:35 p.m.
The Spitboy Rule: Tales of a Xicana in a Female Punk Band
A reading and talk featuring Michelle Cruz Gonzales, a professor, writer, and former drummer in the 1990s punk band Spitboy.
San Diego City College, MS-140, C and 16th streets, 92101.
Thursday, September 26, from 2 to 4 p.m.
City Loteria
Opportunity drawings will be held to inform students about resources on campus.
San Diego City College, SUBIR Cultural Center/Dreamer Resource Center, Room AH-200-A, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Thursday, September 27 through October 6.
Just Like Us
The play based on the book by Helen Thorpe follows four Latina girls in Denver – two of whom are undocumented – through young adulthood. Their close-knit friendships begin to unravel when immigration status dictates the girls’ opportunities, or lack thereof. September 27 and 28, and October 4 and 5 at 8 p.m.; September 29 and October 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10.
San Diego City College, Black Box Theatre, AH-320, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Friday, September 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
“Illustrations for Latinx Children’s Literature”
Enjoy a discussion centering on the illustrations for contemporary Latinx children’s literature, illustrations that educate, break stereotypes, embrace diversity, and develop ethnic pride. Presented by Professor April Koch.
San Diego Miramar College, Room H-105, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126.
Monday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to noon
The Graduates
Screening of a film exploring the challenges and perseverance of Latinx students who have overcome dropout odds.
San Diego City College, SUBIR Cultural Center/Dreamer Resource Center, Room AH-200-A, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Monday, September 30, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Overcoming Stress and Anxiety through the Spirits of Our Ancestors
Honoring our ancestors with a spiritual sage burning ritual, prayer, and reflection.
San Diego City College, Curran Plaza, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Tuesday, October 1, from 9:35 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
Confronting White Supremacy through the Arts
A performance featuring students from the PUENTE, UMOJA, HUBU, and City Scholars programs.
San Diego City College, AH Quad, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Wednesday, October 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Community Recording Studio Night
As part of a special Community Recording Studio Night in honor of Latinx Heritage Month, students, faculty, and community residents will team to record their own version of the Santana classic, Black Magic Woman. Singers, rappers, and Latin percussionists are welcome.
San Diego City College, Room C-208, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Saturday, October 5th, from 10:00am-5:00pm
Car Exhibition Fundraiser for Raza Grad
Approximately 100 cars will be on display at Mesa College, with all proceeds and donations supporting Mesa College’s annual Raza Grad Celebration.
San Diego Mesa College, Mesa College Parking Lot 3, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.
Wednesday, October 9th, from 9:45-11:00am
Community Conversations: Dynamic Latinx Learning – Student Perspectives
Latinx Intercultural Communication scholars will share what works and what does not in a Hispanic Serving Institution academic setting.
San Diego Mesa College, SB-103, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.
Thursday, October 10, from 9:30am-12:00pm
U.S. Latinx Leaders Poster Exhibition
Spanish 215 students will display 24 posters of U.S. Latinx leaders that have made significant contributions to our society.
San Diego Mesa College, LRC Atrium, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.
Tuesday, October 10, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Pelo Malo
This film (Bad Hair in English), deals with topics ranging from adolescence and parent-child tensions to gender identity and sexuality. Its setting in Venezuelan society also contributes to many of the film’s themes.
San Diego City College, SUBIR Cultural Center/Dreamer Resource Center, Room AH-200-A, 1313 Park Ave., 92101.
Tuesday, October 29, from 11:10 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
Straight Out of the Barrio: The Adventures of Telemundo Co-Founder Frank H. Cruz
A talk featuring Telemundo founder, Emmy Award recipient, former chair of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and former television news reporter and anchor Frank Cruz, who got his start at East Los Angeles College.
San Diego City College’s SUBIR Cultural Center/Dreamer Resource Center, Room AH-200-A.
Although it is not officially part of Hispanic Heritage Month, City College on November 5 will be screening the award short film, La Ramona. The film about a 16-year-old Mexican girl sold into the world of human trafficking, will be screened at 12:45 p.m. in Room MS-162 at C and 16th streets, 92101.
Often referred to as Latinx Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month officially begins on the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua – all of which declared national sovereignty in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence on September 16, 18, and 21 respectively.
