Latinx Heritage Month 2024

Our Roots, Our Future

As we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month here on campus, our theme, “Our Roots, Our Future,” is a reflection of our powerful journeys and desires. We are reminded of the importance of honoring our historical roots that have shaped our identities while looking towards the future where our values, rich traditions, and learnings along with our journey will create and inspire change.

“Our Roots, Our Future” serves as a reminder of the contributions of the Latinx community both at Duke and beyond. It highlights the importance of remaining strongly connected to our heritage while also preparing for what lies ahead. The theme encourages us to think about the role we play in creating a future for ourselves and our community.

This theme invites us as a community to come together and reflect on our shared experiences and history to advocate for the values that will ensure a better future for all individuals. We must honor the past as we look forward to the future we envision.

✦ Olivia Encarnacíon T'27 & Natalia Harnisch T'27, Co-Cultural Chairs, Mi Gente ✦

Historically, LHM at Duke has been led by students and student organization efforts. Campus-wide, Duke University has hosted events throughout the month to celebrate Latinx communities. From September 15th to October 15th, these events include a kick-off celebration, a keynote speaker, a mural painting at the East Campus tunnel, and more. Other events vary per year and may include guest lectures, dance lessons, and discussions about current political issues. Since 2022, the Center for Multicultural Affairs has made an intentional effort to better centralize these efforts in order to further elevate and uplift the visibility and love the Latinx communities deserve.

Latinx Heritage Month 2024 Implementation Team:

Olivia Encarnacíon T'27, Cultural Chair, Mi Gente

Natalia Harnisch T'27, Cultural Chair, Mi Gente

Alex Espaillat, Assistant Director, Center for Multicultural Affairs