As a Hispanic Serving Institution, Hispanic Heritage Month (HMM) holds a prominent place in the mind of many at UHD, especially considering that more than half of Gator students have Hispanic heritage. The annual national celebration runs from Sep. 15 until Oct. 15, and acknowledges, highlights, and affirms the impact the Hispanic community has had on the nation, Houston, and UHD. 

The month-long celebration will culminate with LatinFest (more on that later) and will feature food, music, and dancing from different Hispanic cultures. A few of the many events from throughout the month are listed below: 

• Latinitas, an organization “empowering all girls to innovate through media and technology,” visited campus and the Center for Latino Studies to speak with students about internship opportunities. 
• The Center for Critical Race Studies hosted Latinx Literature, Aloud and Proud, an open-mic style reading that allowed anyone to come and read a passage aloud from their favorite Latinx author. 

 Also, on Oct. 18 (just one day after the official end of HHM) The Borderlands Shakespeare Colectiva (BSC) will host an event in the TDECU Tour Room with the aim of amplifying the “work of Chicanx and Indigenous artists who adapt Shakespeare to reflect the histories and lived realities of the U.S.–Mexico Borderlands.” Light refreshments will be provided. On Friday Oct. 13, 2023, 7–11 p.m., Noche Latina will be held on the South Deck overlooking the Downtown Houston skyline. The event, open to everyone, will be hosted by the Multicultural Greek Council of fraternities and sororities, and will feature some of the best DJ's in the city. 

HHM will end with LatinFest on Oct. 25, 5 - 8 p.m., A300. The event is perhaps best described as a cultural exhibition, community gathering, and party, wrapped up in a package of food, music, and dance performances from the world over. The lineup will feature the Gator Beat Gator Drumline, Danza Azteca (Native American Aztec performers), Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana (Regional Dance from Mexico), and Tango Argentino. At UHD somos uno, so, please—join us!