PORTALES, NM – Sept. 15, 2023 – Eastern New Mexico University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month – Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 – with numerous events, speaking engagements, and music programs on campus.

First approved by U.S. President Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and expanded by President Ronald Reagan, National Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law in 1988 and is a time when citizens are encouraged to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to this nation’s history and culture.

Scheduled events to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month include a Sobrero Craft Night, a Quesabirria Tacos Cooking Demonstration, a Flamenco Demo Presentation, a Henna Art event, and concluding with a Flamencosa performance on Oct. 19 that will bring together an ensemble of flamenco artists to produce an evening of music and dance.

The Department of Hispanic Affairs will also have many guest lectures to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Special guest presentations include a presentation on Life on the Border by Dr. Gabriela Moreno, a presentation on Raramuri: The Foot Runners by Diana Molina, and a presentation on Promoting Health and Wellness in Hispanic Home and Community by Dr. Richard Guerra.

“ENMU is very fortunate to have Hispanic students willing to share their culture, knowledge, and background with faculty, staff, students, and community,” said Diana Cordova, ENMU Multicultural Affairs Director. “The Department of Hispanic Affairs is student-run, and the student-staff researched and programmed all these fabulous speakers and cultural events. I feel that it is essential for all individuals to share and appreciate where we come from for a better understanding and love for humanity.”

All events are open to the public and the ENMU community. For a listing of each event's times, events, and locations, please visit enmu.edu/Events.