Students Host Hispanic Heritage Month Morning Ex

The Organization of Latin American Students affinity group recently took to the Heller Auditorium stage to lead a Hispanic Heritage Month Morning Ex for the community.

OLAS began this informative Morning Ex by explaining the difference between “Hispanic” and “Latino.” In a similar vein, they broke down what “Latin America” means from a geographical perspective. Next, OLAS discussed the origin of Hispanic Heritage Month from its inception as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 to today. They then transitioned to covering topics of culture, including music and dances—like salsa, mariachi, reggaeton and tango—and famous artists Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Bringing the focus back to Hispanic Heritage Month, OLAS talked about the ways people celebrate in Chicago. Several students explained what this month means to them and how it resonates in their lives. Next, the group talked about the importance of the election of Mexico’s first female and Jewish president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the impact of this outcome to each of them personally. OLAS explained more about Dia de los Muertos for the audience. Finally, one member of OLAS shared the significance of his Hispanic heritage and how it influences his life today.

OLAS ended this terrific Morning Ex by holding a trivia session to test how well the audience remembered the facts they had heard that morning.

Click here for photos!