Educación (Education)

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, is a time to recognize and honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States.

The month begins on September 15, a date that marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with Mexico and Chile following shortly after on September 16 and 18, respectively.

This celebration highlights the diverse cultural traditions, achievements, and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latinx individuals across various fields, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their vital role in shaping American society.

To learn more about the events offered, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month page.

Perspectivas, a series addressing Latinx/Hispanic community issues, was revamped into two avenues:

1. An educational program focusing on student perspectives and deliberative dialogue, in collaboration with Kernodle Center.
2. A zine that welcomes contributions from all, showcasing the diverse perspectives, creative works, and histories of Latinx/Hispanic identities while fostering an inclusive platform for expression and dialogue.

For more info, contact: MJ Larrazabal, Assistant Director, CREDE (mlarrazabal@elon.edu)

Vamos a la Cocina!

This is El Centro’s NEW hands-on cooking series designed to celebrate and share the rich culinary heritage of LatinX/Hispanic cultures. Each session focuses on creating traditional dishes while fostering community and cultural appreciation. All classes will be held in the El Centro Kitchen.

Spring 2025 Dates:

Thursday, March 13th, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 1st, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday, April 18th, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9th, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Email mlarrazabal@elon.edu to reserve a class! Spaces are limited.

Join us for an afternoon of fun, music and soccer as we cheer the Women’s Soccer Team on. Go Phoenix! Announcements are made in both English and Spanish.

Noche Latina 2025 will be announced at a later date.

For more info, contact: Zoe Mooney, Assistant Director of Marketing for Athletics (zmooney@elon.edu).

A joint effort between El Centro & CREDE to celebrate Afro-Latinx culture – happens annually in February/March.

Carnaval is a vibrant celebration of life, bringing together music, dance, and cultural expression to foster self-discovery and cross-cultural understanding. Long before the discovery of the New World, the Catholic Church in Italy established the tradition of hosting a lively costume festival on the eve of Lent.

Deeply rooted in Latin American culture, Carnaval blends European, African, and Indigenous influences. Originally, it marked the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing renewal and joy. At Elon, our Carnaval event embraces this rich history, offering a dynamic space to honor traditions, celebrate diversity, and build community through music, dance, and festivity.

This year’s Carnaval is on Wednesday, February 26th from 5:30-7PM in McKinnon! See you there.

For more info, contact: Abdul-Malik Harrison, Assistant Director of the CREDE, (aharrison16@elon.edu) or MJ Larrazabal, Assistant Director, CREDE (mlarrazabal@elon.edu)

Siéntate y Hablemos is available on Spotify. Join us for a monthly conversation about everything and anything Hispanic/Latinx in our new podcast: Siéntate y Hablemos!

El Centro offers free conversation classes to Elon students, faculty, and staff. They are non-credit-bearing classes offered to different levels, from new beginners to advanced.

If you’d like to learn more about conversation classes or sign up for the program, visit the Conversation Class webpage.

If you have any further questions about Conversation Classes, contact Sylvia Muñoz, Director, CREDE (munozs@elon.edu).

Elon offers an engaging program in the Latin American Studies Minor, open to students of all disciplines.

Mi Casa LLC

Overview:

The Latinx/Hispanic Living Learning Community (LLC), also known as “Mi Casa” offers all first-year and transfer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture, traditions, and lived experiences that form the foundation of Latinx/Hispanic identity.

In collaboration with the Latinx/Hispanic Advisory Council, the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education/El Centro, and Residence Life, this LLC promotes both academic exploration and co-curricular engagement, allowing residents to deepen their understanding of the diverse cultural and historical contributions of Latinx/Hispanic communities. This community aligns with the strategic goals in Boldly Elon and the university’s commitment to inclusion, leadership, and dialogue.

Open to all students, this LLC fosters a multicultural environment where curiosity, understanding, and appreciation for Latinx/Hispanic heritage thrive. Through a combination of academic study and experiential learning, students will not only celebrate the diversity of Latinx/Hispanic cultures but also build a supportive cohort that enhances their personal well-being and academic success.

Mission:

To create a culturally enriching and inclusive environment, rooted in a Latinx/Hispanic context, that supports the success and well-being of all students, by offering a community-driven residential experience focused on cultural pride, academic development, and leadership.

For more information, contact Sylvia Muñoz (munozs@elon.edu), or Dr. Vanessa Bravo (vbravo@elon.edu)