The mission of Hispanic Heritage Month is to get Central Michigan University’s students, faculty and staff informed about events and promote diversity on campus.
On the main sidewalk entrance outside the Bovee University Center, there was a booth set up promoting this event. It was a sunny, windy, 70-degree Friday and two students were handing out flyers and goodie bags.
Michael McArthur is a graduate student at CMU and is in charge of this event. Victoria Jones is a senior at Central and participates in Hispanic Heritage Month. Jones explained what Hispanic Heritage Month meant to her. “The Latin population is picking up and it’s very important to know the different aspects of your culture,” Jones added.
McArthur and Jones are trying to bring awareness to everyone in general, but mainly college students and adults about the importance of diversity. Since there are more cultures now, the committee wants to show how they live, their customs, and beliefs.
Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized nationally in each state from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year. A number of events are going on this month. CMU students received a brochure from McArthur or Jones explaining where and when the events will be. Almost every event is free aside from food events. The calendar includes the following events:
Dr. David Piacenti will be showing his research on recent trends of migration from Mexico to the United States from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Park Library Auditorium.
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“CMU Latino Alumni Career Panel” will be here to discuss their careers and what services they offer for CMU students at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Mackinaw Room in the University Center.
Jones explained they also utilize social media to broadcast these events.
“Yes on Facebook and my sorority. Sigma Lambda Gamma uses Twitter to promote Hispanic Heritage Month,” she said.
The food tasting events and keynote speaker, Rosa Clemente will be appearing in Central Michigan Life. “We’re very excited to bring her to campus this year,” McArthur said.
McArthur explained how long CMU has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. “That is a great question, over ten years,” he said. This is the start of his eighth year at CMU for the graduate student.
McArthur explained anyone could become a part of the committee.
“Yes, students can suggest speakers or particular events that would benefit campus or share ideas,” McArthur said.
“We welcome student input,” Jones added.
McArthur became the leader of this event by working in the Multicultural Academic Student Services Office. “I wanted to be beneficial to this campus,” McArthur explained. Jones likes being part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I love promoting cultures on campus, we’re showcasing different cultures of that population and it’s important for everyone everywhere to know about them,” Jones added.
The committee starts planning these events by early August. “We pay for the speakers, we raise money through departmental funds and co-sponsoring from the other cultures on campus,” McArthur said.
The Hispanic Heritage Month planning group uses merchandise to draw students in, like goodie bags with pins, keychains, laundry bags and calendars. They also give out 100 bags of Mexican chips.
“It’s a team effort,” Jones said. Everyone needs to be on the same page for an event to be made public. Besides using social media, the committee for Hispanic Heritage Month uses methods of sidewalk chalk.
“It’s all colorful,” McArthur said. “Sidewalk chalk is huge.” “I love to stop and read it.” Sidewalk chalk is a common way to promote events on campus. McArthur hopes students will stop and read the messages and make their way to an event that grabs their attention. “This event is beneficial because it brings people in to want to learn more about the cultures,” Jones added.