Contact Information
Lydia Slattery
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: 563-387-1417
Luther College celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with events and guest lecture
Andrés Espinoza Agurto
Luther College will be recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month with events and a special guest lecture by Dr. AndrĂ©s Espinoza Agurto. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the public is invited to celebrate Hispanic American individuals with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.Â
For more than 40 years, Hispanic Heritage Month (also known as LatinX Heritage Month) has been a national celebration. It is important we highlight and show appreciation for the rich history, heritage and contributions of the LatinX community throughout our nation and beyond. In the U.S., the LatinX population has reached over 60 million in 2020, making them the nation’s second-fastest-growing racial or ethnic group after Asian Americans. The growth and impact of this vibrant community are evident and should be honored.
Dr. Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer, Luther College
At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, in Olin 102 on the Luther College campus will be a special guest lecture titled “Salsa Consciente: Politics, Poetics, and Latinidad in the Meta-Barrio” by Dr. Andrés Espinoza Agurto. Agurto is an associate professor of music at Florida Atlantic University. His research focuses on the Salsa Consciente movement that exploded in the 1970s and the impact of salsa music on social and political identities within Latino and Latin American communities.
“Dr. AndrĂ©s Espinoza Agurto’s lecture will provide an opportunity for the campus community to learn firsthand of the unique relationship between music and the arts and their influence on creating social justice movements,” said Clay.Â
 Prior to Agurto’s lecture, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, there will be a day dedicated to learning opportunities through various cultural engagement efforts such as chapel, film screenings, cuisine and the arts. Film showings include “Viva La Causa,” “Banana Land: Blood, Bullets, and Poison” and “America First: The Legacy of an Immigration Raid.” There will also be Hispanic-themed food served in the Cafeteria and music in Bentdahl Commons on this day.Â
Other events include La Merienda or “the snack” of coffee and sweet bread at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, in the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support and a spoken word performance by Chibbi at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Marty’s. For more information on all Hispanic Heritage Month events visit luther.edu/events.
About Luther College
Luther College is home to about 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.Â
Contact Information
Lydia Slattery
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: 563-387-1417