Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month at Michigan State University (MSU) kicked off with a vibrant event hosted by Culturas De Las Razas Unidas (CRU) and the MSU Chicanx/Latinx Association (ChiLA) Sept. 17. This celebration marked more than just the beginning of a month dedicated to honoring Hispanic and Latinx culture – it represented a renewed effort to foster unity among students, faculty and staff within the Latinx community.

A New Era of Collaboration

Historically, MSU’s Latinx student groups and faculty/staff organizations have hosted separate events. However, this year's kickoff highlighted a significant shift: CRU and ChiLA came together to encourage greater collaboration between students, staff and faculty, signaling a new direction for the Latinx community at MSU. This partnership echoes recent efforts by other cultural groups, such as The Asian Pacific American Student Organization (APASO) and The Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American/Asian Faculty and Staff Association (APIDA/AFSA), who have worked together to build a more inclusive environment.

“We have always wanted to collaborate with ChiLA, but our schedules were difficult to align. This year, we were lucky enough to work with them!” says Nechelle Calderon, president of CRU. “Working with ChiLA was important to us because they represent our community in faculty and staff positions. We only see this partnership evolving further in the future.”

Strengthening Representation and Support

For many minoritized students, the event served as a reminder that they are seen, valued and represented. Through the colorful displays, music and food, the celebration offered students a chance to reconnect with their heritage while also finding support within the MSU community. A highlight of the evening was the faculty and staff panel, where undergraduate students had the opportunity to hear from role models within the Latinx community. These mentors provided advice and shared their personal journeys, cultivating a sense of connection between the generations.

“We wanted our students to hear from those who have served our community and have been an integral part in uplifting the Hispanic/Latine community here at MSU,” says Calderon. “Many of them have been at MSU since before CRU was the organization it is today. Their stories are important to our history, and we believe it’s essential for undergraduates to have this information.”

The panel was well-received by students, with many feeling motivated to engage more deeply with the community. “Many have said they left inspired to do more in their community, to do more research on our history and to connect with the individuals on the panel. This was the outcome CRU hoped to achieve,” Calderon adds.

The Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff was more than a celebration of culture; it marked a growing effort to unify the entire MSU Latinx community – students and faculty alike. Through collaborations across various organizations, stronger bonds are being formed, with events planned throughout the month. These efforts pave the way for cohesive advocacy, greater Latinx representation and success on campus, making this month a meaningful experience for all involved.

To learn more about MSU’s efforts to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, click here.

Written by Hanah Khan