Hispanic Heritage Month is a time that the United States dedicates to honoring Hispanic and Latino Americans, their culture and the influence they have had on our country. This period of celebration occurs annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Samford University has a unique opportunity to shine a light on the Hispanic members within the university, as well as support others in the greater surrounding area.
As the month-long celebration is halfway through, Samford University’s Office of Student Success and Diversity (OSSD) has already hosted several events honoring the Hispanic community. Some took place on Samford’s campus, but others happened in downtown venues or local restaurants. Recent events included a local Mariachi Band Garibaldi performance on Ben Brown, a ‘Lunch and Learn’ event titled ‘Y’all means Todos: Empowering Latinos in America’ and free tickets to Fiesta Birmingham, Alabama’s largest Hispanic celebration, which Samford is an official sponsor of.
Many student organizations have also been hosting their own celebrations. International Club hosted an educational meeting about Colombian culture and ways that Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated within the United States. Spanish Club also hosted a viewing of “McFarland USA” on Sept. 28.
Shaun O’Neil, the Spanish Club president, said, “It is a powerful opportunity to recognize the beauty and richness of the family and community- oriented Hispanic culture and reflect on how such values can benefit U.S. society. It reminds us how significant the impact of Hispanic people [is].”
Natalia Meza Cortes, a junior studying Biblical and religious studies, shared her personal experiences in as a student at Samford and a member of the Hispanic community. She shared both the beauty and the struggle that comes with the unique experience of being part of a minority group.
“It has been challenging to find your space,” Cortes said. “You have to mentally prepare yourself to say, ‘I am a minority.’ You might feel a little iffy here and there. You might not understand all the cultural context, but once you mentally prepare yourself for that, Samford is a great place that wants to learn more about other cultures.”
Beyond the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, it is very encouraging to learn about the advancements Samford is striving to make by bringing in more of the Hispanic community. Overall, the Samford community as a whole is eager to learn more about diverse cultures and incorporate them as an essential part of the Samford experience.
Cortes shared her aspirations for the Samford community in continuing to prioritize diversity and inclusion on campus.
“I hope that with the changes that are coming, we can increase the diversity among students so that everyone finds home at Samford. . . Though I do love the work that is going on behind the scenes, I want to see more, and I am glad that we are seeing people interested in that,” Cortes commented.
If you are looking to be involved in the remainder of events this month, check out Samford’s website, as well as Spanish Club, International Club and Latino Student Organization resources.
Staff Writer
