Honoring Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
Nationally recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), this celebration honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central and South America. Established in 1968 as National Hispanic Heritage Week and expanded in 1988 to a month-long observance, it remains an important moment of recognition nationwide.
At Sonoma State University (SSU), we also celebrate this period as Latinx Heritage Month, honoring the diverse experiences, identities, and contributions of our Latinx and Hispanic students, faculty, staff, and community members.
One example of this legacy is journalist Ruben Salazar, a Los Angeles Times reporter who was killed in 1970 during the Chicano Moratorium against the Vietnam War. In his honor, SSU’s library was renamed after a successful campaign led by Movimiento Estudiantil For Change and Advocacy (M.E.Ch.A.). Today, Salazar Hall continues to serve as a hub for administrative and educational functions on campus.
Upcoming Events from The HUB and Campus Partners
Culture & Conchas
Tuesday, Sept 15 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Seawolf Plaza
In partnership with Associated Students come out and play lotería, enjoy a Folklórico dance performance and tutorial. Enjoy FREE pan dulce!
La Bienvenida (Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff)
Thursday, Sept 17 | 7:00 – 10:00 PM | Lot D
¡Preparensen a bailar! Get ready to dance! Come out for a live performance by Clave MC, mechanical bull and food to celebrate the start of Latinx Heritage Month! Please reach out to delgadobi@sonoma.edu if you have any questions.
HUB x Career Center: Carreras y Conchas
Wednesday, Oct 7 | 7:00 PM | The HUB
Let’s talk carreras, comunidad, y conchas! Join The HUB and Career Center for an evening focused on navigating career and professional spaces while honoring your culture and identity. Connect, ask questions, gain career tips from alumni and enjoy conchas while building community with fellow Seawolves!
Latinx Heritage Month Luncheon
Thursday, Oct 8 | 12:00 - 1:00pm | The HUB
Join us for our Latinx Heritage Month Luncheon, a community gathering celebrating Latinx culture, identity, and belonging at Sonoma State. Come together with students, faculty, and staff to connect over food, conversation, and community as we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month.
Somos Sonoma Keynote: Understanding of HSI Servingness and Assessing Servingness
Wednesday, Oct 14 | 10 - 11:30 am | Ballroom A
What does it mean to be a truly serving Hispanic-Serving Institution? Join us for a keynote exploring HSI servingness and the Servingness 2.0 Framework. Together, we’ll consider how every member of our campus community can contribute to creating an institution where students experience success, belonging, and thriving.
This keynote is open to students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners as part of Somos Sonoma: Shaping Sonoma State’s Future as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. REGISTER HERE.
All are welcome! Events are open to students, faculty, and staff. Whether you identify as Latinx, Hispanic, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to join us in celebrating heritage, culture, and community.
Resources