The Latinx Resource Center supports students of Latin American descent throughout their journey at SDSU to succeed and thrive academically, socially, and holistically. We are rooted in Latinx culture, with commitments to intersectionality, equity, and social and racial justice.
We cultivate a culturally affirming, inclusive, and welcoming space where Latinx students can show up authentically, be heard in the fullness of their voices, and be seen for the complexity of their diverse experiences.
2023 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month at the Center:
KNOW YOUR PAST TO TRANSFORM OUR FUTURE: SIEMPRE PA’LENTE Y NUNCA PA’TRAS:
The weeks between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the culture, traditions and contributions of Hispanic, Chicanx and Latinx communities. It is also Latinx/e Heritage Month. As a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), San Diego State University is proud to celebrate the many contributions of our Hispanic, Chicanx and Latinx students, faculty, staff and colleagues.
This year, the month-long celebrations will center around the theme Know Your Past to Transform Our Future: Siempre Pa’lante y Nunca Pa’tras. The goal of this year’s theme is to highlight the rise in legislation targeting our most vulnerable communities across the U.S., as well as the anti-Latino hate crimes occurring in parts of the nation. We stand in opposition of these laws, policies and acts of bias and hatred and we call on our beloved comunidad to remember our power, legacy of transformational change, and blessings of ancestors across the diaspora who found ways to move forward in the face of adversity and regressive laws. As we see continued attacks on our most marginalized communities, we are proud to share the laws California has passed that set the example for how all communities should be treated with respect, dignity, and, above all, humanity.
LASSO is an SDSU student organization that is open to all grade levels and disciplines. Its members are active not just in academics but in advocacy, activism, art, community service and all other arenas that raise awareness and knowledge of LAS-related topics, activities and events in San Diego and beyond. Our purpose is to gain an understanding of Latin America’s place in many academic disciplines as well as to enhance the student experience in their various degree programs through exploring the cultures and influences of Latin America. Membership is open to all SDSU students with an interest in Latin America.
Our purpose: to gain an understanding of Latin America’s place in many academic disciplines as well as to enhance the student experience in their various degree programs through exploring the cultures and influences of Latin America.
Latin America is a region. It is a concept. It is a symbol. It is a place and a notion that exist both geographically and ideologically, tangible yet not and ever-changing yet concrete, like the ancient ruins that freckle its weary and wary landscape. For these reasons and so many others, Latin American Studies is an academic realm unlike any other, and much like the region that governs its title; it is in constant flux and perpetual motion.
From its rightful name, to its true foundations, to its unfathomable future, Latin American Studies defies a definitive lineage, so like many before us and the many to come, we the members and supporters of SDSU's LAS Student Organization are no more and no less than moving parts in the evolution of Latin American Studies, and will contribute toward its future as we see it, painted by our own perspectives and textured by our own beliefs. It is only through diversity in methods of exploration that we can achieve something akin to full understanding.
Take a glance through our page to find out more about us and our activities. Remember, it is our diverse student membership that makes our organization flourish: we hope you’ll join as the next LASSO member!
The Undocumented Resource Center (URC) at San Diego State University was created in 2020 through the efforts of Education Without Borders (EWB), students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The URC aims to offer a safe space where undocumented students (including mixed-status families), faculty, staff, and allies can build community. In addition, the URC facilitates campus-wide education and awareness about the challenges undocuemented students may face due to their legal status.
The programs and services we provide focus on retention, graduation, community building, and the overall well-being of the students. These services include academic and career advising, legal services, assistance with DACA renewals, immigration legal consultation, mental health workshops, guidance and support in navigating campus and community resources, and much more. Many of these resources are available to students, faculty, staff, and immediate family members as well.
"MEChA is an acronym for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (Chicanx Student Movement of Aztlán).
Prior to 1969, there were various Mexican Student organizations such as the Mexican American Student Conference (MASC), United Mexican American Students (UMAS), and Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO) throughout the Southwest (Aztlán). In March 1969, students, teachers, and community activists met at the University of California at Santa Barbara and drafted El Plan de Santa Barbara, a Chicanx plan for higher education. At this meeting, it was agreed upon that all participating student organizations from there on would be known as MEChA.
MEChA has a direct link to community groups and we also have a nationwide network of MEChAs at Junior High, High School, Community College, and University levels."
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week”, but it was later extended to a month in 1988. Since then, HHM has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. They also include holidays that recognize Hispanic contributions such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day that is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In his presidential proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, President Joe Biden wrote:
“I have often said that America can be defined in one word: possibilities. The Hispanic community has always embodied that ideal. It lives in the dreams of those who have only just arrived here and in the legacy of families who have been here for centuries. Latinos have helped chart America’s course since our start — as doctors and engineers; artists and entrepreneurs; and leaders in science, business, labor, government, and military and across grassroots movements. Their faith and drive have pushed our country to grow, prosper, and pursue its highest ideals.”
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona released a video commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month and shared how the U.S. Department of Education is raising the bar for an excellent, equitable, and more inclusive education for every Latino student, family and community.
Check out the Initiative’s Calendar to learn of in-person and virtual events that the Initiative and our federal partners are hosting during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Resources:
Source: U.S. Department of Education. “National Hispanic Heritage Month”. https://sites.ed.gov/hispanic-initiative/national-hispanic-heritage-month/. Accessed 12 Oct. 2023.
