Latin American Student Organization President Stephanie De Dios (center) leads a group of students, faculty and staff to the flagpoles at the Student Center, where she spoke, saying: “Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of people of Hispanic heritage, the diversity of Hispanic people and the beautiful wealth of Latin cultures around the world and here at home.”
With the theme of “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” Montclair State University students, faculty and staff united to officially kick off Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with the annual procession of flags representing dozens of Latin American countries. The group gathered outside of Susan A. Cole Hall, selected flags and then walked to the flagpoles at the Student Center to hear from University faculty, staff and representatives from campus Latinx organizations. English Professor Johnny Lorenz, president of the Latinx/a/o Caucus, told the students that because of Montclair’s status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a freshman class that is 41% Hispanic, “This is very much your university.” The celebration was followed by a reception at the Student Center.
Students, faculty and staff proudly wave their flags as they participate in a procession celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. Events such as this are important to “show our presence on campus,” says Collin Thompson, a junior majoring in Italian and who is of Dominican and Jamaican descent. “This is our month; we should celebrate it.”Associate Provost for Hispanic Initiatives Katia Paz Goldfarb (center) explains the importance of the month: “This month gives us an opportunity to share, recognize and celebrate de donde venimos y a dónde vamos [where we come from and where we are going] as an intrinsic part of the society. Embracing each other is only going to make us stronger.”Associate Dean of Students Yolanda Alvarez reads a proclamation from President Jonathan Koppell, officially declaring September 15 through October 15 Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month on campus as Latin American Student Organization President Stephanie De Dios looks on.Associate Provost for Hispanic Initiatives Katia Paz Goldfarb addresses the crowd gathered to celebrate the kickoff of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month at Montclair.Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month observance straddles September and October to coincide with Independence Day celebrations of numerus Latin American countries, many of which are represented by flags held by students, faculty and staff.
