Rice University’s Grand Hall was filled with students, music and festivities Sept. 15 as the university began its many celebrations as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Themed Together We Shine/Juntos Brillamos, the festivities include programming across campus through Oct. 15 that spotlights the pride, passion and progress of Hispanic communities in the U.S. while also acknowledging the ongoing work toward greater recognition, representation and empowerment.
The kickoff celebration featured music by Los Búhos del Norte and The Pew as guests perused information tables from affinity groups like the Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice, FIEL, Mi Familia en Accion and TeatroLoft. The evening also included spoken word performances by junior Isabella Gonzalez and senior Jessaly Chavez.
Luziris Pineda Turi, associate vice provost for strategic initiatives and associate teaching professor of Spanish, punctuated the ceremony with remarks that simultaneously recognized the difficulty to find a celebratory tone when the U.S. Latine communities are facing diplomatic struggle and reckoning that strength can be drawn from acknowledging the everyday miracles born from community bonds.
“Together we have shined, we shine, and we will shine. Juntos hemos brillado, brillamos, y brillaremos,” Pineda Turi said. “To be human is to continue even amongst the miraculous, sacred and our painful reality. I hope that my words have reminded you that what matters is our ability to see each day the tiny miracles around us that are a part of our community’s past and present. So many miracles have made it possible for us to continue to be here, and recognizing them allows us to shine together. Indeed, ‘Juntos brillamos.’”
Junior Ashley Nunez, who co-emceed the event, added her thoughts about why Hispanic Heritage Month remains a vital part of Rice’s cultural tapestry.
“I come from a border town, so I’m very close to Mexico, which is my heritage,” Nunez said. “Coming to Rice, I was shocked in a good way, because I thought that I was going to feel imposter syndrome when it came to my culture. I very quickly saw that Hispanic culture is very welcome. All cultures are welcomed here at Rice.
“Being a Hispanic student at Rice means so much more to me because when it comes to tough times, it’s important to bring light to our students and make sure they feel welcomed and supported. To be a Hispanic student here at Rice is being able to find pieces of our culture and a home within our organizations and events.”
For a full list of the month’s events, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month website.