AVONDALE, Arizona – Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) will be celebrated Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 with art, films, music, food and learning.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. It’s also a time to inspire future leaders.
This year’s is theme “Dream. Empower. Lead.” The meaning denotes that creating a positive future starts with a dream. Then, as a Learning College, EMCC empowers students with knowledge and resources that will lead to success, individually and culturally.
All events and activities will he held on the EMCC campus, located at 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale, and are free and open to the public. For more information, call EMCC Student Life at 623-935-8807.
Since 2003, EMCC has been committed to providing this cultural recognition to honor the Hispanic roots and heritage of the communities it serves. The college is a nationally recognized Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
Tues., Sept. 15
Hispanic Heritage Kick-off Celebration
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Estrella North Plaza
Join the campus community for a fun celebration to launch EMCC’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month. EMCC President Dr. Ernie Lara will deliver the official welcome and kick-off. Come and sample traditional Mexican food, enjoy art, poetry, music and more!
Tues. Sept. 15 Through Sat., Oct. 15
Free Art Exhibition: Dan Diaz
Campus hours, EMCC Art Galleries in Estrella and Komatke Halls
East Los Angeles native Dan Diaz works with a vibrant color palette and an unmistakable style to produce artwork that spans from large scaled murals to 3D objects and everything in between. Diaz’s art has been featured in Hawaii, New York, and in galleries throughout Arizona. He received a Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree from Arizona State University.
Thurs., Sept. 17
Film Series: “McFarland”
2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL)
Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California's Central Valley. His new students find that they have much to learn about one another, but things begin to change when White realizes the boys' exceptional running ability. More than just physical prowess drives the teens to succeed; their strong family ties, incredible work ethic and commitment to their team all play a factor in forging these novice runners into champions.
Tues., Sept. 22
Mask Making Workshop by MEChA
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL), North
Make your own Day of the Dead mask and learn the history behind this indigenous honoring and celebration. Through this workshop you will be given the materials to decorate and create a realistic Dia De Los Muertos mask. EMCC and members of the M.E.Ch.A chapter will share the ancient history behind the masks and will provide instructions and guidance if needed.
Thurs., Sept. 24
Salsa y Salsa –Tasting Contest and Dancing
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Student Union
The 5th annual salsa tasting contest is open to EMCC employees, but the entire campus community is invited to be the judges. Salsa dancing performance and lessons will be provided by the owners of aRAZando Dance Company in Avondale, Raziel Gutierrez & Araceli Villanueva. Employees interested in entering the salsa tasting contest should contact Marcie Tiano for additional information – [email protected]
Tues., Sept. 29
Artist Reception: Dan Diaz
4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Plaza Gallery
A conversation and guided art tour with HHM’s featured artist, Dan Diaz. Light refreshments.
Wed., Sept. 30
Film Series: “Spare Parts”
2:45 – 4:30p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL)
Based on a true story in Phoenix, AZ. In 2004, four Carl Hayden High School students won the MATE Underwater Robotics competition with a rover cobbled together from PVC pipe and spare parts. Three of the four winners were undocumented and risked deportation when they traveled to Santa Barbara to win MATE’s top prize. Starring George Lopez.
Tues., Oct. 6
Storytelling – Student Performance
6:00 – 7:30 p.m., PAC Black Box Theatre
EMCC Students will share myths, legends and personal stories with ties to the Hispanic culture.
Wed., Oct. 7
Cesar Chavez Luncheon
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Estrella Conference Center
The college's Annual Cesar Chavez Luncheon will commemorate Cesar Chavez's life and contributions to society and will include keynote speaker. Lunch is free, but limited seating. RSVP required to EMCC Student Life at 623-935-8807.
Tues., Oct. 13
Panel & Seminar: “Undocumented College Students' History, Policy and Personal Narratives: Where Do We Go From Here?”
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Estrella Conference Center
EMCC residential faculty Norma Hernandez and Honors in Action students discuss the history, policy and personal narratives of undocumented students.
Wed., Oct. 14
Shrine Box Workshop
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL), North
Learn how to make your own shrine box that you can display for Dia De Los Muertos. This is a creative, fun, and visual art activity that helps celebrate and commemorate the life of someone who has passed away. Bring a small cardboard or tin box, and some personal items such as photos and trinkets of the loved one that has passed. There will also be items and materials available for decoration. EMCC faculty Annie Buentello will provide instructions and guidance if needed.
Thurs., Oct. 15
“What’s your story?”
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL), South
In collaboration with Women’s Leadership Group, this event will feature EMCC faculty Norma Hernandez who will share her journey, lessons learned and advice for attendees, followed by a Q&A session.