By: Kennia Coronado

Latinx Heritage Month, otherwise known as, “Mes de la Herencia Hispana,” is celebrated annually from September 15 – October 15. During this month, many Latin American countries celebrate their Independence Day, and Latinxs/as/os/e, in the U.S., celebrate their rich cultural traditions. The celebrations undertaken during this month are meant to honor the contributions of Americans with Latin American ancestry. Not only is Latinx Heritage Month celebrated across the U.S., but it is also widely celebrated at the University and in the greater Madison community.

At UW, Chicanx Latinx Studies organized a March on Bascom, where students and community members marched on Bascom with flags that represented Latin American countries. In addition, the Multicultural Student Center hosted Latinx Heritage Month and brought Los Angeles-based Salvadoran poet, Yesika Salgado, as their keynote speaker. Finally, the Multicultural Student Center hosted a Latinx Art Gallery, where the artwork of several Latinx students and locals was on display.

The culmination of Latinx Heritage Month ended with a community-wide annual luncheon hosted by La Movida—who also celebrated 20 years on-air as Madison's only Spanish-language radio station. At the luncheon, several community leaders that help advance Latinx causes were recognized with awards. Among the recipients were the Mexican Consulate of Milwaukee, Mario Garcia Sierra, Norma Gallegos Valles, Joe Parisi, Ode, Wendy Meléndez, Jorge Antezana, and Roots4Change. The recipients spanned the range of UW alum, elected