Every year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month. This observance pays homage to the invaluable contributions and significant impact of Hispanic Americans on the nation’s history, culture, and accomplishments. The origins of this celebration can be traced back to 1968 when it was first established as “Hispanic Heritage Week.” In 1988, this recognition was extended to encompass an entire month.

Since then, National Hispanic Heritage Month has become a nationwide observance. People across the country come together to celebrate with a diverse array of events, such as festivals, art exhibitions, conferences, and community gatherings. These events serve as vibrant reminders of the rich heritage and multifaceted talents that Hispanic Americans bring to the cultural tapestry of the United States.

This year at CC, we are focusing the observance on the theme of “Building Prosperous and Healthy Communities.” It serves as an opportunity to delve into the ways in which Hispanic Americans have been instrumental in creating and fostering thriving and vibrant communities, not only through their cultural contributions but also through their dedicated efforts towards the betterment of society as a whole.

Learn more by experiencing Mi Gente: Manifestations of Community in the Southwest, which opened Sept. 1 and is showing at the El Pomar Galleries in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Museum. Drawing from works in the museum collection stewarded by the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, this exhibit considers community within a landscape that has been shaped by colonization and migration. Focusing primarily on works by Chicanx/a/o, Hispanic, and Mexican American artists based in New Mexico and Colorado, Mi Gente explores the politics and complexities of community, including those who are perceived as outsiders. 

In the first initiative of its kind in the country, CC announced HAVEN as a swift response to anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion legislation across the country. The initiative, called the Healing and Affirming Village and Empowerment Network, or HAVEN, provides an opportunity for any student wanting to leave institutions of higher education in those states. So far, five states have passed anti-DEI laws, including Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and North Dakota. Due to fears these actions could lead to a climate of uncertainty, fear, and violence, CC is offering HAVEN specifically for college students from these states for the next two academic years. Leaning into President L. Song Richardson’s vision of creating a more just world, this initiative is a way to double down on her commitment to create greater access. Learn more about HAVEN.

By Megan Clancy ’07

This summer, three Colorado College alumni and 15 students participated in the Colorado College Activism Institute. With the institute, they served as social justice activists in the areas of immigrant detention and community organization. They witnessed atrocities at the border and rallied for the rights of asylum seekers.

Through CCAI, the college is leading a national model linking liberal arts education to antiracist, community-engaged work that aims to address contemporary challenges and prepare students for social action careers and lifelong civic engagement.

“Many of the great challenges of the twenty-first century – climate crisis, growing socio-economic inequality and precarity, etc. – connect directly to escalating surveillance and criminalization of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities,” says Dr. Eric Popkin, CC Sociology Professor and CCAI Program Director. “Activist and advocacy approaches to advance potential solutions to these challenges are essential. Students need to acquire a specific skill set to effectively engage in this work.”

Read the full article in The Peak to learn more.

Make sure to register for this afternoon’s Mental Health and Wellness webinar, happening from 1-2 p.m.

In conjunction with this event, the CC community is invited to continue the conversation on Mental Health and Wellness on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 1-2 p.m., with members of Cabinet and the Mental Health and Wellness Task Force. More details to come.

Check out the schedule of events for this academic year on the Work of the College Series.

What does your job entail?  
I work collaboratively with CCSGA to take care of different student needs and concerns on campus. For example, I work with campus activities to approve different clubs and activities on campus.

Where did you work before CC and what were you doing?
I became VP of Student Life my freshmen year at CC. Prior to that I lived and attended high school in Delaware.

Tell us a little about your background.
I am a first-generation immigrant from Bangladesh. Prior to Colorado I lived in Delaware. I am currently a sophomore and am intending to double major in Political Science and Religion, and am on the pre-law track.

What do you like to do when not working?  
When I am not working I like to sleep or go downtown with my friends.

Wild card: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid I always wanted to be a lawyer and am currently working towards attending law school.

This drag queen is making history! Join us on the main stage this Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. for an evening with Sasha Colby, the first drag queen to win both RuPaul’s Drag Race and Miss Continental. Sasha’s signature, sensual modern drag is sure to entertain. Hailed “a legend” by castmates of RuPaul’s Drag Race past and present and winner of the prestigious title of Miss Continental, she has been an influential figure of personal empowerment for the drag and trans communities for over a decade. The evening will be hosted by local drag artist and theatre favorite Belzin Whistlez (Sammy Gleason), and will also feature two regional drag artists, Mario Wanna and Leia Trillz-Latrice.

CC students get 50-percent off tickets, and faculty and staff get 20-percent off tickets! Use these codes when purchasing tickets to receive your discount:
Faculty/Staff: Sasha20
Students: Sasha50
Note: Discount only applies to general admission tickets.

For more information, visit the FAC website.