A month-long celebration of Hispanic culture, history and people is now underway on the campus of Emporia State University.
The Office of Diversity Student Programs hosted a kickoff celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month Thursday evening in Kellogg Circle. Interim Coordinator for Diversity Student Programs Percy Holt says they were very proud to facilitate the event which saw a great turnout from several community agencies.
Holt says the university’s recognition of the month coupled with the community participation Thursday is a great indicator of how welcoming the community is to all people.
Several events are planned between now and mid-October including a student and faculty Latin X panel, movie night, game night and much more. Holt says the department wanted to bring as many “fun” and “laid back” activities as possible to campus as they believe it is the best way to help give the campus and Emporia communities a greater understanding of Hispanic culture.
Thursday’s event included music, dancing, a jalapeno eating contest and other activities and also served as a fundraiser for the ESU Latino Legacy Scholarship. Thursday’s kickoff also served as the unofficial lead into the Emporia Fiesta which will take place Saturday afternoon in Las Casitas Park courtesy of the Las Casitas Association from noon to 6 pm.
Hispanic Heritage Month officially begins Friday and continues through October 15. For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month activities at ESU be sure to visit Emporia.edu or find the Office of Diversity Student Programs on Facebook.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ
