A mariachi band, salsa dancing and awards will be part of this year’s Fiesta Latina celebration Oct. 10.

Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Yvette Alex-Assensoh is inviting the campus community to celebrate the many contributions Latinos and Latinas have made both to the university and the nation. She also has written an op-ed on how people of Latin American descent have enriched the campus community.

“As we observe Latino Heritage Month, it’s important that we recognize and honor the work these students, staff, faculty, and community members are doing to make the UO a better institution,” Alex-Assensoh writes. “It has come a long way but the UO still has far to go. Use this month is an opportunity to not just celebrate the rich history of Latin@s, but to consider what role we’re playing in the history that’s being made right now.”

For the full article, see “The University of Oregon Celebrates Latino Heritage Month” on the Division of Equity and Inclusion website.

The Fiesta Latina will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Room 190 of the Frohnmayer Music Building. RSVPs should be made to inclusion@uoregon.edu.

The event will open with Mariachi Calavera with Arturo Zavala, followed by a lasso and rope trick demonstration by the UO’s Antonio Huerta and a piano performance by Ednaldo Borba. Singing, flamenco and salsa performances also are on tap.

Alex-Assensoh and Associate Vice Provost Doneka Scott will present the Latinx Heritage Month Awards for faculty, staff and students. The evening will conclude with a party and salsa dancing.