Luther College celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month in September

Luther College invites the public to celebrate the rich culture, history and contributions of Latino and Hispanic communities by recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in September. This year’s events, sponsored by Luther’s Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES), include a keynote lecture by Chicano and Latino studies expert Jimmy Patiño of the University of Minnesota, a community dinner at Decorah’s The Landing Market, a movie screening and a day trip to Cedar Rapids for Festival Latino.

Keynote Lecture: Jimmy Patiño —”Our Oppressions are One, Our Dreams are One: Chicano Movement Solidarities with Black and Red Power”
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7–8:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall

Jimmy Patiño, University of Minnesota associate professor in Chicano and Latino studies, will delve into the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s and outline its connection to the struggles of African Americans, Puerto Ricans and American Indians against racism and economic exploitation. Patiño will also discuss how Chicano and Latino activists viewed the liberation of Black and Native peoples as essential to lasting social change. The lecture is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by CIES and Luther’s Department of Modern Languages and Cultures: Spanish Section.

“We are honored to host Jimmy Patiño at Luther College for Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement. “His work on Chicano and multiracial movements challenges us to embrace our college value of inclusivity even further and deepen our understanding of shared struggles for justice.”

Chicano and Latino studies expert Jimmy Patiño will delve into the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s and outline its connection to the struggles of African Americans, Puerto Ricans and American Indians against racism and economic exploitation at Luther College’s Hispanic Heritage Month keynote lecture. The lecture starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. It is free and open to the public.

Patiño is the director of the Center for Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of Minnesota. He is the author of “Raza Sí, Migra No: Chicano Movement Struggles for Immigrant Rights in San Diego.” Patiño is widely regarded as an expert on Chicano and Latino social movements, immigration and racial justice. His research and teaching works to bridge academia and activism, fostering inclusive understanding across diverse communities.

Day Trip — Festival Latino of Cedar Rapids
Saturday, Sept. 13

Join CIES for a day filled with connections, music, food and celebration. The Festival Latino embraces all of South American and Latin American culture. This year’s festival entertainment will feature mariachi music. CIES is organizing transportation from campus to Cedar Rapids. Registration is required; please sign up at the CIES office inside the Dahl Centennial Union.

Eats, Education and Engagement: Festival of Hispanic Cultures
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 5–7 p.m., The Landing Market, 211 College Drive, Decorah

Join us for Eats, Education, and Engagement featuring cuisine from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for college students and children (17 years old and younger). Reservations are not required. This event is a partnership between CIES and The Landing Market.

Monthly Movie — “A Million Miles Away”
Thursday, Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m., Valders 206

Inspired by the true story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, “A Million Miles Away” follows him and his devoted family of migrant farm workers on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. The movie is free. Snacks will be provided.

Hispanic Heritage Month is the first in a series of planned cultural celebrations for the 2025–26 academic year at Luther College.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the histories, contributions and stories of Hispanic people in the United States and at Luther,” said Michelle Boike, assistant dean and director of CIES. “We hope you’ll join us.”