Ishaan Nandwani, Opinion Editor
We can learn a lot from those of our background and those who are different from us through immersion and service.
Knowledge is power and cultural understanding is the key to a more unified world. This Latino Heritage Month, it’s essential to take a step toward understanding one of the most prominent communities in the U.S.
Latinx Heritage Month, also known as Hispanic Heritage Month, takes place annually in the US from September 15th to October 15th. The month was founded to honor Hispanics and Latinos who have enriched American society.
Hispanics and Latinos make up 18.7% of the population in the US and 7.1% of the population in Richmond, according to the 2020 US Census Bureau. Many are immigrants from nations throughout Mexico, Central and South America, and each has rich and idiosyncratic traditions.
Latinos have had a lasting impact on our nation—from Puerto Rican composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who often draws on his cultural background in his compositions, to Mexican-American civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, the spirit of advocacy for which was informed by his experience as a Chicano.
Unfortunately, Latinos in the US have experienced hardship throughout American history and today face barriers in areas such as health care and education.
Now more than ever, it’s important to celebrate and uplift Latinos in our local community and across the country, whether you identify as Latino or not. There are countless ways to get involved.
Recently, through the US Hispanic Immigrant Service Learning course with Professor Anita Nadal, I began volunteering with English sophomores at George Wythe High School. Many of the students at George Wythe are immigrants from all over Latin America who have immigrated to the US in recent years.
Although I am not from a Latin American background myself, I have learned a lot through these interactions – while we speak in Spanish, they share their challenges navigating the education system with disabilities in English. Not only has this service experience been extremely fulfilling, but it has also greatly expanded my understanding of students’ cultural backgrounds and experiences.
While rewarding, you don’t need to participate in a full service experience to make a difference. Barnes & Noble, the School of World Studies and the School of Sociology at VCU have set up donation boxes to collect children’s toys and books for the children at Southwood Apartments, nicknamed “La Mancha.” La Mancha is home to a large number of Latino immigrants who would greatly benefit from these items.
VCU has an ongoing relationship with La Mancha, having established one car coat here last winter, and the residents are always grateful for these donations. If you have extra toys or books at home, I encourage you to drop them off at one of the locations on campus.
Additionally, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the College of Humanities and Sciences are hosting several events during Latino Heritage Month. Each of these events offers the opportunity to learn about an aspect of Latino culture, whether through exposure to Latin American traditions or direct cross-cultural communication.
Highlights include Muevete Dance Nights on Thursdays in Monroe Park, featuring Latin-inspired dances such as Salsa and ChaCha; Cultural conversation with the Universidad de La Salle, which offers a space for discussions about topics such as music with students from Mexico; and a presentation by immigration expert Victor Narro this Thursday, October 6, covering immigration rights and activism. A full catalog of events is available through OMSA.
Latinx Heritage Month is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. By participating in these activities, you will lift up Latinos in our local community while expanding your worldview.
