Miami Dade College Showcases Latin Pride During Hispanic Heritage Month

Miami Dade College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this year with a showcase of distinctive events. 

This year’s college-wide theme is Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together. During the celebration, campuses will showcase Hispanic success in the academic, business and art world.

“Our identity goes beyond just being fun to be around,” said Clairem Diaz, the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee chair at Kendall Campus. “We’re a really hard working culture and we’re pretty smart.”

The opening event, Las Banderas was held on Sept. 15 at Fred Shaw Plaza at Kendall Campus. Students, faculty and staff displayed flags representing their respective Latin American countries. 

Kendall Campus’ Fireside Chat on Sept. 30, was a Q&A style discussion with successful latinos in the arts and media arenas, including MDC’s Executive Director of Cultural Affairs María Carla Chicuén, poet laureate Caridad Moro, photographer Tony Chirinos, journalist Lucho Borrego and musician Marlow Rosado.

On Oct. 8, West Campus held a Latino Influences in Business presentation. Panelists included  MDC alumni such as Sandra Ochoa, chief executive officer of VEMAX Insurance and Alexa Oliva, the executive director of BOWAworld, a leadership training organization.

Martin Maradiaga, a business student at Hialeah Campus,who attended the Pioneers of Rhythm: A Mariachi’s Journey Through Time—a performance by the Mariachi Voces de America on Oct. 2—enjoyed the blending of Mexican music and Venezuelan food at the event.

“Try to expand your [knowledge of] Hispanic culture more and more,” Maradiaga said. “Try and learn it because it’s beautiful.”

The Learning Commons at Padrón Campus showcased books and poems published by renowned Hispanic authors on Oct. 15. 

In addition, the campus hosted Museum of Art and Design resident and mixed media artist Ema Ri. The Cuban-American artist engaged with students during several pop up-style events throughout the month.  

Homestead Campus hosted a Hispanic Cultural Celebration on Oct. 16. It featured music, food and live performances.

Miami Dade College students will also share their poetry at the Latino Poets Open Mic Night on Oct. 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Books & Books in Coconut Grove at 3409 Main Highway. 

Piñata Palooza will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Medical Campus, 950 NW 20 St. It will include piñatas and games such as pin the tail on the donkey and limbo dancing. 

On Oct. 30, North Campus, 11380 NW 27th Avenue is hosting a tango dance performance  in the 5000 building at the Lehman Theater at 6 p.m. It will  feature the Escuela Argentina, an educational center dedicated to connecting American children to their Argentinean parents’ culture.

For more information about other upcoming Hispanic Heritage events click on this link: https://calendar.mdc.edu/.

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