Indiana University Northwest celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

By Press release submission

Sep 15, 2022

Music, food, dance, lectures movie screenings and more in September, October

Indiana University Northwest will celebrate the rich tapestry of the Hispanic community and its many contributions to the culture and history of the U.S. during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2022).

Throughout the month, IU Northwest will host or participate in multiple Hispanic Heritage events on campus and in the region—from food fests, to community forums, film screenings, parades, and more.

Hispanic Heritage Month Activities

September 10 • Empanada Fest

Whiting Lake Front Park • 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Empanada Fest is a collaboration between the City of Whiting’s Parks Department and Whiting Hispanic Heritage Organization and highlights the city’s rich cultural diversity with festive activities for all to enjoy.

September 15 • IU Northwest Kick-Off Event

Anderson Library Courtyard, IU Northwest • 4 to 7 p.m.

Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at IU Northwest as we celebrate Latino culture with the musical talents of Mariachi Sirenas and free food from El Gran Taco Mexican Grill. While you’re here, explore campus resources and clubs that support our students.

September 25 • H.U.G.S. Hispanic Independence Day Parade

Hammond, IN • 12 to 3 p.m.

IU Northwest will participate in the Hispanics United for Government Services (HUGS) Hispanic Independence Parade. The parade route starts at Morton High School at 6915 Grand Ave. and ends at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond.

September 28 • HSI Town Hall

Arts & Sciences Building (room 1010), IU Northwest • 6 p.m.

Join us for an engaging conversation with community stakeholders regarding our status as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and what this designation means

for the campus and community.

October 8 • 19TH Annual Latino Resource Fair

Lincoln Elementary School, Hammond, IN • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A staple of the Hammond Community for 18 years, the Hammond Hispanic Community Committee’s annual resource fair assembles resources to improve the quality of life for citizens in Northwest Indiana.

October 8 • We Still Here

Bergland Auditorium, IU Northwest • 11 a.m.

The Gary International Black Film Festival celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of Eli Jacobs documentary We Still Here, which chronicles the uplifting story of youth from Comerío, Puerto Rico who found themselves leading historic recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

October 12 • Being Eñye Film Screening

Bergland Auditorium, IU Northwest • 3 p.m.

This film explores the idea that some first-generation American born Latinos or Eñyes, share a distinct identity, shaped by their experience growing up between two cultures. Many Eñyes don’t feel fully connected to either culture—not “American enough” among Americans and not “Latino enough” among Latinos.

October 13 • Identities Matter: What does it mean to be Latino/Latina, Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano?

Bergland Auditorium, IU Northwest • 3 p.m.

Join us for a panel discussion featuring Dr. Raoul Contreras from the department of Latino Studies as he explores the history and varied meanings of the terms Latino/a, Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano.

The most diverse of all IU campuses, IU Northwest is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution. This allows the Northwest campus to access additional funding to improve the lives of all students. Previous funds have gone directly to students as financial aid, been used to establish a new STEM Center on campus, allowed the addition of more academic support services, and more. Identities Matter: What does it mean to be Latino/Latina, Latinx, Hispanic, and Chicano?

To learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Month events, visit www.iun.edu/diversity.