Northeastern Illinois University celebrates Latinx/e/a/o Heritage Month 2025

Northeastern Illinois University is excited to host Latinx/e/a/o Heritage Month festivities taking place from Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

“This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month — honoring the rich culture, history and contributions of Latinx communities,” Northeastern President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D., said. “As the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in the Midwest, Northeastern Illinois University is deeply committed to access, equity and student success.”

The United States recognizes Latinx/e/a/o Heritage Month (also known as Hispanic Heritage Month) from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 because of the amount of significant anniversaries for many Latin American countries that fall within that time. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all commemorate their anniversaries of independence on Sept. 15. Mexico recognizes its independence day on Sept. 16. Chile’s independence day is Sept. 18. Additionally, Día de la Raza (“Day of the People/Race”) — which honors and commemorates countries and people that were conquered by Spain and other European countries — is observed by many Spanish-speaking countries on Oct. 12 as an alternative to Columbus Day.

The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs and Northeastern’s El Centro location have coordinated a number of events for the University and general public to celebrate the Latinx/e/a/o Heritage Month.

“The mission of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs is to create welcoming programming that educates and empowers people from all walks of life," Director of the Pedroso Center DeWitt Scott, Ed.D., said. "As such, we are proud to offer a series of events to engage the University community and general public in Latinx/e/a/o Heritage Month."

This year’s Latinx/e/a/o Heritage Month events at Northeastern’s Main Campus include: 

• HSI Kickoff Celebration: ENgaging Latinx Communities for Education (ENLACE) program panel moderated by Gabriel Cortez, Ph.D., Sept. 15, noon - 2:00 p.m., Pedroso Center, Room B 159
• Film screening “We Still Here / Aqui Estamos,” Sept. 17, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Auditorium
  • The documentary centers young residents from Comerío, Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Following the screening, there will be a conversation with the film’s producer, Kahlil Jacobs-Fantauzzi.
• Cafetón: Reggaeton Coffee Party, Sept. 29, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Pedroso Center, Room B 159
• Drag Talk Back Event with Irregular Girl, Oct. 2, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., Pedroso Center, Room B 159
• 3rd Annual Pedroso Center Homecoming, Oct. 9, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., Pedroso Center, Room B 159

Details about these and other events can be found on the Latinx/e/a/o Heritage Month web page.

Events at El Centro include:

• Tianguis Community Market, Sept. 23, 2:00–5:30 p.m., First-Floor Lobby
• La Taquiza, Sept. 24, 3:00–6:00 p.m., First-Floor Lobby
• Sin Vergüenza: Healing, Storytelling and Empowerment Without Shame, Sept. 25, 3:00–5:00 p.m., First-Floor Lobby
• Ritmos de Ayer y Hoy: A Journey Through Latin Music, Sept. 26, 2:00–4:00 p.m., First-Floor Lobby

Additionally, NEIU Libraries has coordinated a Hispanic Heritage Month virtual book display with ebooks, streaming media, and links to Latinx/e/a/o collections.

“I invite you to take part in Latinx Heritage Month events being held across our University locations this month as we celebrate the vibrant role that Hispanic and Latinx communities — and all cultural communities — play in shaping NEIU and in Chicago, the city we call home.” President Bell-Jordan said.