2022 - ECC’s Latinx Heritage Month 2022 celebrates legacy

Elgin Community College’s Latinx Heritage Month (LHM) will include in-person events built around the 2022 theme “Los Caminos de la Vida: Celebrating Our Legacy.” The month’s events begin with the annual kickoff brunch honoring the late Jane Barbosa on Friday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Building E, Rm 121, dining room, on ECC’s campus, 1700 Spartan Drive. LHM 2022 will also hold the first-ever Latinas in Law Enforcement Scholarship Fundraiser for Latinas interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement on Tuesday, Sept. 22. All events take place on ECC’s campus with the exception of the virtual Teatro Que Importa: “Alicia in Wonder Tierra” stage reading and discussion held via Zoom.

“The vibrant and diverse 2022 Latinx Heritage Month offerings are going to energize and educate ECC students and the broader community,” said Antonio Ramirez, PhD, associate professor of History. “This year’s programming reflects the beautiful diversity of Latinidad in our region. It celebrates the legacy of future Latinx people on campus and beyond.”

The full line-up of Latinx Heritage Month events includes the following:

Latin Heritage Month Kickoff Brunch: Honoring Jane Barbosa

Friday, September 16

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Building E, Rm 121, Dining Room

The annual kickoff brunch will honor Jane Barbosa, a well-known member of the Latinx community in Elgin, former recruiter and minority affairs coordinator at ECC, and founder of the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS). The event will feature a special presentation about the Latinx influence on the community and the legacy the late Barbosa left. All proceeds will go toward the Jane Barbosa We Rise Scholarship fund to support undocumented, DACA, and mix-status students. For ticket information, visit elgin.edu/lhm.

Latinas in Law Enforcement Scholarship Luncheon

Thursday, September 22

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Building E, Rm 121, Dining Room

This is the first Latinas in Law Enforcement Scholarship Fundraising Luncheon to raise funds for Latinas interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. The keynote speaker will be Iris Y. Martinez, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. For ticket information, visit armentafoundation.org.

Teatro Que Importa: “Alicia in Wonder Tierra”

Thursday, September 22

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

RSVP via Zoom at tinyurl.com/LHMteatro2022

Join for a virtual stage reading of “Alicia in Wonder Tierra,” by Sylvia Gonzalez followed by a discussion with the cast.

Fiesta en la Yarda - Encanto

Friday, September 30

6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Building C, Green Space

Enjoy a movie night on the lawn watching the movie “Encanto” and a special performance from Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl. The event will have two local Latinx food trucks and free activity kits. This event is free and open to the public.

Pascuala Herrera – Not always a Valley of Tears

Tuesday, October 4

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Building G, Rm 100, Spartan Auditorium

Pascuala Herrera will present her award-winning memoir, “Not Always a Valley of Tears,” through a presentation combining storytelling, visual slides, honesty and humor on topics ranging from immigration, Latinx struggles and successes, disability, and advocacy.

Latinx Conexion

Tuesday, October 11

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Building B, Spartan Corner Lounge

Get connected with various campus departments and resources. Prominent Latinx leaders from ECC, transfer institutions, and the Elgin community at-large will be present.