Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), one of the Maricopa Community Colleges, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15 with a full calendar of related events. Art exhibitions, traditional food offerings, lectures, and films are just some of the on-campus events that offer opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to learn more about the Hispanic culture.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually in the United States to provide both historical and current looks at the contributions and achievements of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This observational period started as a weeklong event in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, and was extended to a full month in 1988. The September 15 start date is important because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
This year’s theme, Honoring Our Heritage, Building Our Future serves to highlight the efforts and successes of Hispanic trailblazers, while allowing those forerunners and their various endeavors to serve as inspirations for creating new milestones in history. It’s an important way for EMCC students to learn about building a dynamic and powerful community; as they participate in these diverse events that showcase how the past shaped the present and helps determine the future.
All of the events take place on the EMCC campus, located at 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale; they are free and open to the public. Please contact EMCC Student Life at 623-935-8807 for more information.
September 15-October 15
Ashley Macias Art Exhibition
Display cases in Estrella Hall, and Komatke B&C halls
The Phoenix-based artist displays paintings that tie together elements from the human psyche and the natural world.
Wednesday, September 21
LinkedIn/ Women Rising Workshop
Estrella Hall South 135 from 1pm to 2pm
Attend the workshop to learn about the benefits of having a LinkedIn profile in today’s work world, and get assistance creating a LinkedIn profile from Women Rising and the Career & Transfer Center.
Thursday, September 22
Film Showing: “No Mas Bebes”
Performing Arts Center 114 from 1pm to 4pm
This 2015 documentary tells the story of a group of Mexican immigrant women who sued doctors, the state, and the United States government after they were tricked into sterilization while giving birth at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film and the post-screening discussion are led by event host, Phi Theta Kappa.
Tuesday, September 27
Loteria (Bingo)
Estrella Hall North Community Room from 2pm to 3pm
Learn the origin and the rules on how to play this traditional game. Loteria is similar to bingo but uses numbers on ping pong balls rather than cards.
Wednesday, September 28
Cesar Chavez Luncheon
Estrella Conference Center from 12pm to 1pm
EMCC’s Annual Cesar Chavez Luncheon will commemorate Cesar Chavez’s life and contribution to society with special speakers. Contact Student Life at 623-935-8807 for details and to RSVP.
Tuesday, October 4
EMCC Student Storytelling Event
Performing Arts Center 147 from 6pm to 8:30pm
In this format that has increased in popularity over the last few years, students shared stories pulled from real life events and experiences.
Thursday, October 6
Salsa y Salsa Event
Student Union from 11am to 1pm
Get your taste buds ready to vote for the best salsa and put your dancing shoes to learn Salsa dancing.
Tuesday, October 11
What’s Your Story?
Estrella Conference Center from 11:30am to 12:30pm
Learn about the learning and personal journey to success featuring Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick as she shares her story.
Wednesday, October 12
Shrine Box Workshop
Plaza Gallery from 10am to 11am
Learn how to make a shrine box that you can display for Dia De Los Muertos. The annual holiday celebrates those who have passed on; the shrine box is a gift to them containing special and sacred items. EMCC faculty Annie Buentello will provide instructions and guidance.
Thursday, October 13
Mask Making Workshop
Plaza Gallery from 10am to 12pm
EMCC student club Movimiento Estudantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) leads a workshop that explores this folk art tradition.
Friday, October 14
What’s Your Story?
Plaza Gallery from 11am to 12pm
Learn about the learning and personal journey to success featuring EMCC President Dr. Ernie Lara as he shares his story.
EMCC is proud to be one of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ (HACU) Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI’s). Last month. the United States Department of Education selected the college for grant funding through the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program. EMCC’s proposal was created by a team of faculty members and submitted to the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program’s rigorous review process. The efforts outlined in this successfully-funded proposal match the program’s multiple purposes of expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic students who are currently enrolled, as well as to perpetually increase the Hispanic student population on campus.