HSI Week Features Gina Ann Garcia

By BZ Zuniga

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Within that time frame falls Hispanic Serving Institutions Week, from Sept. 8-14.  CSUMB will celebrate HSI Week with events starting Sept. 8 and running into the following week. HSIs are defined as those colleges and universities with Hispanic student populations of 25% or more. HSI Week honors the commitment to academic excellence, cultural inclusion and community empowerment of HSIs. 

Joshelyn Martin, associate director for El Centro and the Undocu-Success Center said, “We at El Centro recognize the importance of honoring the diverse and intersecting identities within the broad Hispanic umbrella.” 

Gina Ann Garcia, renowned scholar and advocate for equity in higher education, is the keynote speaker at a luncheon from noon to 3 p.m., Sept. 17, in the Otter Student Union ballroom. 

“[Garcia”s] research explores what it means to serve Latine students,” Martin added, “not just enrolling them in college. Garcia will speak about ways to make space for all stories beyond the mainstream narratives.”

In her podcast, Garcia has said, “We’re still working against systems of oppression, which is the work that we are doing,  and chipping away, little by little, so that future generations do not have to do the same resistance work.”

Highlights from the first and second weeks of HSI Week activities include: 

• Monday, Sept. 8

• El Lanzamento:  Cafecito, pan dulce, comunidad, lawn games and sarapes.
• Glow In the Dark Yoga: led by Project Rebound director Val Maestas, infused with Spanish music and body paints in national flag colors, honoring roots and cultural pride through art and movement.

• Tuesday, Sept. 9

• Desayuno y Dichos: Culture, community and conversation with breakfast tacos and words of wisdom from the community, alumni and first-generaton graduates. 

• Wednesday, Sept. 10

• HSI Week DC Takeover: HSI-inspired dining commons Latin American dinner, in celebration of Hispanic heritage with mariachi music, dancing and a DIY food item to take home. 

• Thursday, Sept. 11 

• La Pachanga: A celebration of music, food, art and culture. 
• “Unbroken Sky” Film Screening: A film inspired by the life and work of Francisco Jiménez.

• Friday, Sept. 12: 

• Sin Fronteras, No Sin Apoyo: How to Support Undocumented Students: A discussion supporting undocumented students. Inclusive language and policy basics, DACA, AB 540, in-state tuition eligibility and other resources.  

Also: 

• Monday, Sept. 15: 

• Oiganos: Nuestras Voces Importan - Listen to Us -- Panel discussion centering on Central American experiences

• Tuesday, Sept. 16:
• Más Que Una Caja ("More Than a Box"): Breaking identity stereotypes often associated with Latine people

“By hosting events that uplift voices often marginalized — such as those of our Central American and undocumented communities — we aim to expand our collective understanding of belonging,” Martin said. 

Rudy Medina, Otter Cross Cultural Center director, said,  "All students, staff and faculty, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, are welcome to attend HSI events."