Hispanic Heritage Month celebration to feature movie screening, dancing

Northwest Missouri State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting a series of informative and fun events on campus.

“September 15 to October 15 is celebrated as Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success,” Dr. Jessie Peter, the senior coordinator in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, said. “We encourage all to celebrate the myriad cultures within Central and Latin America and other Spanish-speaking countries and their contributions to America.”

Northwest will screen the movie “No más bebés” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom. The documentary recounts the civil rights story of immigrant women being unknowingly sterilized during labor by doctors at the Los Angeles General Medical Center. 

“This documentary gives us an opportunity to learn about the eugenics movement in the U.S.,” Peter said. “Specifically, how immigrant mothers of Latin heritage sued county doctors, the state and the U.S. government after they were tricked into sterilizations in the 1960s and 1970s.”

The Northwest community also is invited to participate in a Latin Dance Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, in the Student Recreation Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to dance Flamenco style and learn about the cultures of Cuba and Spain. Chips and salsa will be provided.

The national recognition for Hispanic Heritage Month dates to 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson recognized the first Hispanic Heritage Week. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded the week to cover the 30-day period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, with the start date marking the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

In addition to commemorating heritage months, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosts activities throughout the fall semester to provide students with opportunities to learn, participate in discussions with others and celebrate varied communities. Activities include Doughnuts with ODI and First Fridays, which feature activities; J.E.D.I., an acronym for the justice, equity, diversity and inclusion certificate program; and H.O.T. Topics sessions for students to discuss current events.

To learn more about activities and programs organized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, call 660.562.1105, email diversity@zheeer.com or visit ibcwwj.zheeer.com/diversity/.