Hispanic Heritage Month

Enacted into law in 1988 and celebrated nationally from September 15 to October 15, this time is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. 

Students, employees and the community are invited to join colleagues and friends at the following Hispanic Heritage Month events.

Celebrate & Build Community

Hispanic Heritage Month Buffet
Friday, Sept. 20, 11:15am - 1pm
Orchard Ridge Campus
Location on campus:  Building J, Room 306
Tickets go on sale beginning Sept. 9!

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice Office has joined forces with the Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College and invites you to a delicious lunch buffet featuring cuisine from different Latin/Hispanic countries!

Learn & Grow Your Understanding

Latinx Identity: Why Our Names Matter
Monday, Sept. 16, 12 – 1 pm
Virtual
Eventbrite Registration

Join us for a discussion on the short story "My Name” by author Sandra Cisneros. Panelists are Michelle Casanova, Roxana Zuniga, Daniel Rodriguez, Callina Henson and Alicia Paramo-Dionne. It is recommended to read an excerpt of the story prior to attending but not required. This event is sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice in partnership with the Hispanic/Latinx Advisory Committee.

Hispanic Heritage Month Film Series
The Spanish Film Club series was made possible with the support of Pragda, SPAIN arts & culture, and the Secretary of State for Culture of Spain. These events are sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice in partnership with the Hispanic/Latinx Advisory Committee, OCC Spanish Department and Global Education Committee.

Sun and Daughter (CUIDANDO AL SOL)
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6 - 8pm
Royal Oak Campus
Location on campus: Building D, Lila Jones-Johnson Theater
Eventbrite Registration

This film tells the story of 10-year-old Lucía’s family who lives on the Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol) in the middle of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia; a place that’s as mystical as it is picturesque.  

Boca Chica
Monday, Sept. 30, 10am - 12pm
Royal Oak Campus
Location on campus: Building D, Lila Jones-Johnson Theater
Eventbrite Registration

This film shines a light on the insidious child sex trade and the lives it seeks to destroy.

My Brothers Dream Awake (MIS HERMANOS SUENAN DESPIERTOS)
Monday, Oct. 14, 1 - 3pm
Orchard Ridge Campus
Location on campus: Building T, Smith Theatre
Eventbrite Registration

This film is based on real events that paints a complex image of imprisoned youth.

Guie’dani’s Navel (EL Ombligo de Guie'dani (XQUIPI' GUIE'DANI))
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3:30 - 5:30pm
Auburn Hills Campus
Location on campus: Building F, Room 123
Eventbrite Registration

This film is a unique coming-of-age narrative exploring the racism inflicted on indigenous people in Mexico and the empowerment of a new generation that refuses to accept it silently.  

Cassandro
Thursday, Nov. 14, 6 - 8pm
Auburn Hills Campus
Location on campus: Building F, Room 123
Eventbrite Registration

Based on the true story of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur Ewrestler who rises to international stardom after he creates the character ‘Cassandro,’ the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.”

O'frendez at DIA
Friday, Oct. 11, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Join us at the Detroit Institute of Arts for Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos 2024. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, the Day of the Dead is the time of the year to celebrate the lives of close relatives, friends or community members who have passed away. Objects important to lost loved ones, such as favorites foods, drinks, mementos and pictures, are collected and incorporated into elaborate displays. Transportation to the DIA is on your own.

This event is sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice in partnership with the Hispanic/Latinx Advisory Committee.

Further Learning

OCC's Libraries' National Hispanic Heritage Month Guide: Learn more about the vibrant cultures, histories, and achievements made by Hispanic Americans and check out the displays in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month at OCC campus libraries.