Latine Heritage Month Celebration
Soaring in Cultura: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Together
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is excited to celebrate Hispanic Serving Institutions Week and Latine Heritage Month 2026 with events that celebrate culture, history, community, identity and belonging. At ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, we use Latine Heritage Month as an inclusive way to recognize the diversity of identities and experiences within our communities while honoring the many cultures, histories and contributions represented across Latin America, the Caribbean and the Latine diaspora. We invite students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and community members to join us throughout the month and celebrate Soaring in Cultura: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Together.
Questions?
Contact Danny Cortez at d-cortez1@neiu.edu.
Need accommodations?
To request accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at least 48 hours in advance at sds@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4598.
2026 Events (Sept. 14-Oct.15)
All events are free.
Please note: Not all events are open to the general public. The audience is noted for each event. Events noted as "¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ community" refer to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students, employees, retirees and other University stakeholders (i.e. members of the Board of Trustees).
Pasaporte Latinoamérica: LHM Kickoff Celebration
Monday, Sept. 14
Time: noon-3 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ community
Kick off Latine Heritage Month with music, food, cultural learning, student organization tables and a celebration of Latin America, the Caribbean and the Latine diaspora.
Elevating Latino/e Voices: Civic Engagement and Voting Rights
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Time: 11 a.m.-noon
Location: Main Campus, Student Union, Alumni Hall
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ community
This panel will highlight civic engagement, voting rights, advocacy and representation through the voices of community leaders, educators, advocates and students.
La Sala
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students
La Sala is a Latine student affinity space centered on community, conversation, cultura, belonging, and student support.
Café con Ritmo
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7, 14
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ community
Café con Ritmo invites ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students, employees and alumni to gather for cafecito, music, conversation and community in a welcoming space.
La Taquiza
Wednesday, Sept. 16
Time: 3-6 p.m.
Location: El Centro
Audience: Open to the public
La Taquiza brings students and community together at El Centro for food, connection and celebration during Latine Heritage Month.
ENgaging Latinx Communities for Education Graduate Panel
Thursday, Sept. 17
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: Open to the public
ENLACE alumni and graduate students will share their educational journeys, leadership experiences, and advice for students considering graduate school.
La Copa Soccer Tournament
Saturday, Sept. 19
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Main Campus, P.E. Complex, Outdoor Field
Audience: Open to the public
La Copa brings students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members together for soccer, teamwork, school spirit and friendly competition. If you are interested in playing on a team, please complete the sign up form below.
Alebrije Workshop
Monday, Sept. 21
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: El Centro
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students
Students will learn about alebrijes and create colorful artwork inspired by Mexican folk art, imagination and cultural storytelling.
4th Annual Pedroso Homecoming Event
Monday, Sept. 21
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Community
In collaboration with the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ chapter of the (ALPFA), this event connects alumni and their stories back to the University while promoting the importance of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ being a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Latine Faculty, Staff and Student Welcome Back Reception
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students and employees
This welcoming reception brings Latine students, faculty and staff together to connect, build community and celebrate the new academic year. The gathering creates an opportunity to strengthen relationships across ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ while promoting belonging, mentorship and comunidad. This event is co-sponsored by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ's Council on the Status of Latinxs.
Racial Solidarity Against Colonization in the Americas and the Chi
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ community
Gabriel Cortez, Ph.D., of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ's ENLACE program will discuss the historical struggles for human rights by racialized groups in Latin America and Chicago, highlighting Indigenous, Black and mixed-racial resistance to colonization and moments of Black and Latinx coalition-building in Chicago.
Voces Sin Silencio
Thursday, Sept. 24
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ community
In partnership with K(NO)W More, Student Health Services, Student Counseling Services and Student Disability Services, Voces Sin Silencio provides a space for storytelling, reflection and dialogue around identity, voice, advocacy and community.
Movie Screening: "Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna)"
Thursday, Sept. 24
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: El Centro
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students
This film screening invites students to reflect on family, migration, sacrifice, resilience and the meaning of home.
Sonidos de Nuestra Cultura: A Mariachi Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 26
Time: 11a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: El Centro
Audience: Open to the public
This live mariachi performance brings Latine Heritage Month to El Centro through music, culture, community and celebration.
Tarde de LoterÃa
Monday, Sept. 28
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Student Union, SU 214
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students
Tarde de LoterÃa offers a fun and welcoming space for students to connect through a traditional game, music and community. This event is co-sponsored by .
Sanando en Comunidad: Latinas, Salud y Fuerza
Thursday, Oct. 1
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: El Centro
Audience: Open to the public
This Spanish-language program with , Student Health Services and the Pedroso Center will focus on breast cancer awareness, prevention, early detection and community care.
Piñata Workshop
Monday, Oct. 5
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Village Square
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students
Students will participate in a hands-on cultural activity that celebrates creativity, tradition and community through piñata making.
Career Journeys: Latine Alumni Panel
Monday, Oct. 5
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ community
Join ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ's Office of Career Development as Latine alumni from different industries share their career journeys, experiences navigating college and building professional networks, overcoming barriers and advice for current students. The event will also include an opportunity for students to connect and network with alumni.
Latina Equal Pay Day
Thursday, Oct. 8
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Student Union, Alumni Hall
Audience: Open to the public
This event will highlight pay equity, economic justice, workplace empowerment and the importance of advocating for Latinas in professional spaces.
Pride and Heritage
Monday, Oct. 12
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students
Pride and Heritage will celebrate the intersections of Latine and LGBTQIA+ identities through community, reflection, storytelling and belonging.
Noche de Familia
Thursday, Oct. 15
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: El Centro
Audience: Open to the public
Noche de Familia will close Latine Heritage Month with an evening celebration honoring students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, community and cultura.
Thank you!
Thank you to all of our University and community partners who make Latine Heritage Month events possible:
- Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs
- Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA)
- Office of Career Development
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business and Technology
- Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education
- Council on the Status of Latinx
- El Centro
- ENgaging Latinx Communities for Education (ENLACE)
- Student Health Services
- K(NO)W MORE
- ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Executive Team
- Proyecto Pa’Lante
- Student Counseling Services
- Student Leadership Development
- Student Success and Retention
- The Nest
- Community partners, such as ALAS Wings