Latino Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. It begins Sept. 15 in honor of Independence Day for several Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate Independence Day the same week. During this month, we recognize the achievements and contributions of LatinX individuals who have motivated others to achieve their dreams. It is a time to celebrate a beautiful culture and traditions. It is also a time to recognize the Afro-Latino and indigenous communities and the work that still needs to be done regarding  the border crisis, racial injustices, economic struggles and farmworkers’ rights.

UNIdos is a student organization that seeks to promote a better understanding of Hispanic/Latino culture for the student community at UNI. UNIdos uses the term “latiné” to emphasize respect and inclusion by recognizing gender non-conforming or non-binary people in their organization who identify with this term. Through educational, cultural and social programming, they seek to share cultural traditions and festivities. This organization is open to anyone who identifies as Hispanic/Latino. UNIdos president Gisselle Herrera shared with the NI the events planned by UNIdos to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

UNIdos has four events planned so far, and they are working to have another event in collaboration with the Center for Multicultural education (CME). Events will occur weekly starting Sept. 15 with a movie night in collaboration with the Campus Activities Board (CAB). The movie shown will be “In the Heights.”

Another event, “Sip 7 Paints,” will be held on Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. on the roof of Maucker Union, weather permitting. Canvas, paints and drinks will be provided.

On Sept. 30 UNIdos will host “Zumba Night” at Lawther Field, starting at 6:30 p.m. It will be an hour of dancing with exercise and fun at the same time. The weather location is in the WRC.

According to Herrera, the final event will be an opportunity “to end the celebration of Hispanic Heritage” with a game night. This will take place on Oct. 15 at Schindler 220 starting at 6:30 p.m. 

An additional event might be announced in the future via UNIdos’ social media. 

All events are free and open to all students to continue to share more about latiné culture.  

To keep up to date with the activities and meetings of UNIdos, follow them on social media. You can find them on Facebook at UNIdos UNI, snapchat at UNIdos2020 and Instagram and Twitter at uni_unidos.