With a Name Indicating Inclusion of All in the Community Regardless of Gender, Latin@ Month Brings a Wide Range of Events to Campus
This month, Wellesley comes together to celebrate Latin@ Month 2014 (with the symbol @ used to indicate a celebration of all those in the community, regardless of gender). With a host of events including dinners, workshops, and special speakers, there’s something for everyone on campus to learn and enjoy.
“At Wellesley we celebrate Latin@ Month in April,” explained Mared Alicea-Westort, advisor to Latina students. “The main goals of the month are to celebrate the cultural diversity that Latin@ students, faculty, and staff bring to the Wellesley community as well as raise awareness about issues affecting the Latina community here at Wellesley and beyond. In short, it is a time to celebrate being Latin@!”
The month’s schedule is organized by the Latin@ Month Planning Committee, which coordinates with on- and off-campus groups and is responsible for communication, in collaboration with the office of the Latina Advisor. The keynote speaker for the month is Rick Najera, an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, author, entertainer, and entrepreneur. He has been honored by Hispanic Business magazine as one of "100 Most Influential Latinos in America" and has worked in film, television, theatre, and on Broadway. With stories and lessons from his personal and professional journey, Najera will speak on the topic of "Cultural Pride: The Latinos You Don't See” on April 8 at 5:3 0.pm.
“Latin@ Month provides an opportunity for Wellesley's diverse community to work together toward goals of cultural celebration and overall community awareness,” said Alicea-Westort. “Our theme this year is Latin@ Month Is for Everyone…. Through the many events we have planned we hope to help people gain a better understanding of Latin@ culture, heritage, and history. This represents a great opportunity for everyone to share and explore with others the many contributions of Latin@ culture.”
The month’s events are co-sponsored by: Latina Advisor’s Office, Asian Advisor’s Office, Cielito Lindo, Familia, the Office of Intercultural Education, Mezcla, Partnerships for Diversity and Inclusion, WGST, Spanish Dept., Hillel, Alianza, LGBTQ Programs & Services, the Funds of Eleanor Edwards, Rebecca Bacarach, Treves, and Wilson.
Schedule
March 3: 6 p.m.
Latino Employee Appreciation Dinner
Recognizing and celebrating our hard-working unionized Latino employees
Slater International
April 2: 5 p.m.
Distinguished Latin@ Writers
Conversation and book reading by Prof. Marjorie Agosin & Francisco X. Stork
April 3: 4:30 p.m.
White Elephant Film Screening
Pendleton East 239
April 3: 8 p.m.
Exploring Latinidad
Mezcla General Meeting (everyone welcome)
Slater International
April 5: 7 p.m.
Latina Cultural Show
Celebrating Latin@ culture through dance, song & poetry
Jewett Auditorium
April 8: 5:30 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Rick Najera
“Cultural Pride: The Latinos You Don’t See”
Pendleton West 212
April 10: 6 p.m.
Latina Alumnae Panel
Diverse alumnae offer career advice to students
Slater International
April 12: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Seven Sisters Conference
Knapp Atrium
Showcase at Punch’s Alley 7 p.m.
April 15: 6 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Rafael Campo
Poet, physician, associate professor at Harvard Medical School
Pendleton West 212
April 24: 6 p.m.
Cherrie L. Moraga Lecture
Playwright, poet and essayist
Location: TBD
April 27: 7 p.m.
Latina Cafe
Offers prospective students insight into student life at Wellesley for Latina students
Location: TBD
April 29: 7 p.m.
Teatro Luna (Pan-Latina) Theatre Co.
Socially, culturally & politically relevant skits, poems and monologues
Tishman Commons
May 1: 8 p.m.
Poster Campaign Talkback
Students come together to raise awareness about the Latina community