UM Sets Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

Film series, panel discussions and book readings among events scheduled

OXFORD, Miss. – A five-film series, five panel discussions and a book reading are among the events scheduled as the University of Mississippi observes Hispanic Heritage Month.

The four-week celebration began with a film Friday (Sept. 13) and ends Oct. 18 with another film. A kickoff event was held Monday (Sept. 17) in the Triplett Alumni Center.

Sponsors of the observances are the Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement, the Department of Modern Languages, the Latin Student Organization and the Spanish Film Club. All events are free and open to the public.

“During National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognized Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we acknowledge the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to the United States,” said Shawnboda Mead, CICCE director.

Mead said she hopes that all members of the university community will take advantage of opportunities to become more connected.

“The month will feature a variety of interactive events and discussions that will celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture,” Mead said. “There will be opportunities for engagement and learning for the entire campus community.”

Other scheduled activities include:

Sept. 20 – Panel Discussion: “Latinix in the Media,” 5:30 p.m., Lamar Hall, Room 126. An open discussion on how the Latin community is portrayed in the media, as well as its media presence. Brittany Brown, a senior journalism major, is the facilitator.

Sept. 26: Panel Discussion: “Latinas of Ole Miss,” 4 p.m., Lamar Hall, Room 126. Students, professors and advisers are invited to this panel discussion about cultural insights, community and knowledge. Hilda Nieblas, graduate community director for student housing, is the facilitator.

Sept. 26: Panel Discussion: “Fifty Years After 1968: the State of Latin American Politics,” 6 p.m. Croft Institute, Room 107. This public forum addresses political transformations sweeping through Latin America that have major implications for global affairs. Panelists from UM political science, sociology and anthropology faculty will speak to the weakening of democracy, social unrest, organized crime and violence, Chinese investment in the region, and watershed elections.

Sept. 27: Film Series: “Panama Canal Stories,” 6 p.m., Lamar Hall, Room 127.

Sept. 29: “Refuse” book release, 6 p.m., Goolsby’s Hair World, 814 Jackson Ave. East. Ole Miss graduate student and author Julian Randall will read from “Refuse,” a book of original poetry.

Oct. 4: Film Series: The Second Mother,” 6 p.m., Lamar Hall, Room 127.

Oct. 8: Panel Discussion: “Are You Ready? Dialogue Series: Let’s Start the Conversation,” 6 p.m., Bryant Hall, Room 209. Topics such as the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting will be discussed. Julian Randall will be the moderator.

Oct. 10: Book Reading; 5 p.m., Square Books. Showcased will be the unique role of Latin Americans in literature.

Oct. 11: Film Series: “Summer 1993,” 6 p.m., Lamar Hall, Room 127.

Oct. 15: Panel Discussion: “What is AfroLatinidad?” 6 p.m., Lamar Hall, Room 125. Simone McMullan, assistant professor of Southern studies and anthropology, will lead a discussion about the fusion of African and Latin cultures.

Oct. 18: Film Series: “Spider Thieves,” 6 p.m., Lamar Hall, Room 127.

For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month events, visit https://inclusion.olemiss.edu/hispanic-heritage-month-2018/.