AVONDALE, Arizona – Hispanic Heritage Month at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) will be celebrated Sept. 16 through Oct. 16 with art, music, food and learning. This year’s theme is “Heritage in Motion,” signifying the positive progress and changes in the Hispanic culture, and passing the heritage forward to future generations.
Since 2003, EMCC has been committed to providing this cultural recognition to honor the Hispanic roots and heritage of the communities it proudly serves. All events and activities will he held on the EMCC campus, located on 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.
Through Sat., Oct. 25
Art Installation: Gabriella Muñoz
Campus hours, EMCC Art Galleries
The works of Gabriella Muñoz reflect her experiences as a woman of color in the Border. Muñoz is the Curatorial Assistant of Latin American Art at the Phoenix Art Museum, and active in the arts community. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking at Arizona State University. EMCC galleries are located in Estrella Hall, Komatke A and C.
Tues., Sept. 16
Hispanic Heritage Kick-off Celebration
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Estrella North Plaza Lawn
Join the campus community with a fun celebration to launch EMCC’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy complimentary foods & festivities, including live Mariachi music. EMCC President Dr. Ernie Lara will deliver the official welcome and kick-off.
Thurs., Sept. 18
Film Series: “Cesar Chavez”
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL)
An exceptional true story and movie about the inspirational life the Mexican labor leader from Yuma, AZ. Chavez was co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UAW), which improved and created labor standards that still exists today. Discussion following film.
Fri., Sept. 19
‘Friday Fit Fun’ presents Zumba
12:00 noon – 12:50 p.m., Student Union
Zumba is a group exercise class set to fantastic Latin and international rhythms. Led by Natalie Riviera.
Wed., Sept. 24
Cesar Chavez Luncheon
12 noon – 1:30 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, Jose G. Moreno, presenting “Agricultural Labor Production and Organizing in the U.S. Empire, 1900-1980.” Moreno is an adjunct history professor at EMCC, and a Ph.D. candidate in American Studies and Chicano Latino Studies at Michigan State University. Lunch is free, but limited seating. RSVP required to EMCC Student Life at 623-935-8807.
Wed., Oct. 1
Salsa Squared - Salsa Tasting Contest and Salsa Dancing
12 noon - 1:00 p.m., Student Union
The 3rd 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]
Thurs., Oct. 2
Film Series: “Bless Me, Ultima”
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL)
An adaptation of the 1972 controversial novel by Rudolfo Anaya. A drama set in New Mexico during WWII, centers on the relationship between and young boy and elderly medicine woman who helps him face off with the battle of good and evil that rages in his village.
Tues., Oct. 7
Storytelling Performance
5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Estrella Conference Center
EMCC Students will share myths, legends and personal stories with ties to the Hispanic culture.
Mon., Oct. 13
Day of the Dead Mask Making Series
1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Student Union Game Room
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 made with paper mache. There will also be items and material to make your mascara (mask) from the ground up! Ethnic Studies & History instructor will share the ancient history behind the masks and the M.E.Ch.A chapter will provide instructions and guidance if needed.
Tues., Oct. 14
Shrine Box Workshop
10:00 – 11:15 a.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL)
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 made with paper mache. There will also be items and material to make your mascara (mask) from the ground up! EMCC, Ethnic Studies and History instructor, Jose Moreno will share the ancient history behind the masks and the M.E.Ch.A chapter will provide instructions and guidance if needed.
Weds., Oct. 15
Artist Discussion & Art Walk: Gabriella Muñoz
1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Estrella Hall, North Community Room
Gabriella Muñoz will personally guide and discuss her artwork displayed in each of the EMCC on-campus galleries.
Thurs., Oct. 16
Student Success Stories & Alumni Panel
1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Estrella Conference Center
As part of the Student Success Fair, current and former EMCC students will share their college experiences, challenges and success in an open forum.