The Center for Mexican American Studies, DMC Libraries, and the Language Lab have prepared a wide range of events to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Running from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. As a Hispanic-serving institution with deep ties to the Hispanic community of Corpus Christi, it is no wonder that NHHM is a big deal on campus. This year is no different, with the Center for MAS coordinating with both DMC Libraries and the Language Lab to organize the following public events from now until Oct 15.

NHHM Kick-off Celebration
Monday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to noon
Center for Mexican American Studies, Coles Building, room 133

The Center for Mexican American Studies will be kicking off the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month with a lively celebration at the Center itself. The event will include music, traditional Mexican refreshments, and a display of historical posters from the Del Mar Chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE).

In addition, DMC Libraries will showcase a resource display highlighting Hispanic representation throughout history and culture. The event will also include a creative craft session, creating evil eye amulets with Jennifer Jimenez-Perez and Kathy Westergren.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of the evil eye and create their own personalized amulet.

Political Science Lecture with Dr. Adrian Clark
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1-2 p.m.
Center for Mexican American Studies, Coles Building, room 133

The Center for MAS will be hosting Professor Adrian Clark for a lecture on border security at the Texas-Mexico border at both the federal and state levels. The lecture is intended to offer a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics of border security and immigration policies in the US as they relate to Texas.

Banned Books Week Read-out
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Center for Mexican American Studies, Coles Building, room 133

In conjunction with DMC Libraries, the Center for MAS will host a Banned Books Week read-out. This year’s theme is “Freed Between the Lines / Libérate Entre las Páginas,” to correspond with National Hispanic Heritage Month and includes excerpts from banned books from Latinx authors and works.

Photo Exhibit and Lecture
Tuesday, Sept 26, 11 a.m. to Noon
Center for Mexican American Studies, Coles Building, room 133

The Center for MAS will host a photo exhibit exploring the lives and contributions of migrant field workers.

The exhibit will be accompanied by a lecture by Rose Linda Reynoso, a former writer and editor at Del Mar College’s Office of College Relations. Reynoso will give a presentation providing historical context and share the personal narratives behind the photographs, as well as highlighting the significant impact of migrant labor on the agricultural industry and the challenges faced by the workers.

Latinx Film Screening – “East Side Sushi”
Monday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to Noon
Language Lab, Coles Building, room 108

The Center for MAS will hold a film screening of the 2014 film “East Side Sushi,” starring Diana Elizabeth Torres. The film follows the journey of a Mexican American woman in Los Angeles who tries to carve a place in the traditionally male-dominated sushi industry in the hopes of providing a better future for her family.

The screening is open to Del Mar College students and staff. For any would-be attendees babysitting a younger sibling or child that day: the film is rated PG, but contains depictions and references to alcohol.

Poetry Reading, “Family, Culture, Nature… and more”
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1-2 p.m.
Coles Building, room 113

The Center for MAS will be hosting a poetry reading by former MAS program coordinator, Elizabeth N. Flores. Flores will read some of her published and soon-to-be published poems, including “The Morning the Men Talked About Quinceañeras” and “Nature’s Holy Pews.” She will also share photos that speak to the themes in her poems.

Flores’s poems have appeared in the Texas Poetry Assignment, “Corpus Christi Writers” anthology, the Mays Publishing Literary Magazine, and the “Windward Review.”

De Generación en Generación Art Panel
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 10-11 a.m.
Center for Mexican American Studies, Coles Building, room 133

The Center for MAS will be hosting a panel discussion with three generations of Chicano artists, including Dr. Carey Rote of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Liz Kim of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Professor Gina Palacios of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. They will discuss their exhibition which opens in November 2024 at the Weil Gallery at A&M-Corpus Christi.

Cooking Demonstration with Chef Maria Mata
Thursday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to Noon
Language Lab, Coles Building, room 108

Chef Maria Mata and her assistant will offer a hands-on cooking demonstration, teaching participants how to make traditional flour tortillas. Attendees will learn about the history, techniques, and secrets behind creating these essential staples of Mexican cuisine.

Mexican Flower Making
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m.
Languages Lab, Coles Building, room 108

The Del Mar College Language Lab will host a workshop teaching participants how to craft colorful papel picado, or Mexican paper flowers, out of tissue paper. Participants will also have the chance to learn other traditional floral designs used in Mexican funerals and festivals.