Indiana University Northwest will celebrate the rich tapestry of the Hispanic and Latine community and its many contributions to the culture and history of the U.S. during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2023).
Throughout the month, IU Northwest will host or participate in multiple events on campus and in the region – from food fests, to community forums, poetry readings, and more – that represent the wide range of Latin American culture and diaspora.
IU Northwest is proud to be the state's only public comprehensive higher education institution designated as an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). A status which allows the campus to access additional funding to improve the lives of all IU Northwest students.
Hispanic Heritage Month Activities
September 13 • Slam Poetry with Carlos Andrés Gómez
Anderson Library Courtyard, IU Northwest • Noon
Attend a spoken word poetry performance by Carlos Andrés Gómez, a Colombian American poet, speaker, actor, and equity and inclusion strategist from New York City. Gómez starred in HBO’s "Def Poetry Jam" and in Spike Lee’s box office hit "Inside Man" with Denzel Washington.
September 14 • IU Northwest Kick-Off Event
Anderson Library Courtyard, IU Northwest • 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at IU Northwest as we celebrate Latine culture with the musical talents of Latin Satin Soul and free food from various Latin American cuisines. While you’re here, explore campus resources and clubs that support our students.
September 15 – October 15 • Display Cases: The Story of Consuelo Ornelas-Garcia, Northwest Indiana’s First Known Hispanic Nurse
Library Conference Center, foyer
View artifacts curated by the Calumet Regional Archives honoring Consuelo Ornelas-Garcia, the first known Hispanic nurse working and living in Northwest Indiana.
The exhibit comes to life with special thanks to Susan Dzyacky, Ornelas-Garcia daughter, who gifted a donation to the Archives highlighting Ornelas-Garcia’s life through photographs, certificates, year books, a nursing cap and more.
September 16 • H.U.G.S. Mexican Independence Day Parade
Hammond, IN • Noon to 3 p.m. (Meet at 11 a.m.)
IU Northwest will participate in the Hispanics United for Government Services (H.U.G.S.) Mexican Independence Day Parade. The parade route starts at Morton High School at 6915 Grand Ave. and ends at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond.
September 28 • Poetry Reading with Martín Espada
Arts & Sciences Building, Main Stage Theater, IU Northwest • 4 - 6 p.m.
Attend a poetry reading and Q&A with Martín Espada, a Puerto Rican-American poet and a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Espada is the winner of the 2021 National Book Award for Poetry for "Floaters."
Espada’s visit coincides with activities meant to engage the campus in subjects related to IU Northwest’s communal read of “The Devil’s Highway,” a nonfiction account that touches on the topics of illegal immigration and border patrol.
October 10 • Identities Matter II: The Future of Hispanic Heritage Month
Bergland Auditorium, Savannah Center, IU Northwest • 2 p.m.
Join us for an engaging conversation with campus and community stakeholders regarding the future direction and name of Hispanic Heritage Month on campus and what it means to be Hispanic/Latine. Discussions also to be centered on inclusivity and a follow-up conversation on identity and terminology.
Speakers include Cecy Villarruel, Ph.D. (IU Northwest Department of English), Carissa Urra (IU Northwest student), Emmanuel López (Governors State University and IU Northwest alumnus), and Lillian Casillas (Director of La Casa/Latino Cultural Center at IU Bloomington). Moderator is Amy Diaz, IU Northwest Chief of Staff.
To learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Month events, visit northwest.iu.edu/diversity.
