GCC proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with food and entertainment to commemorate the beautiful diversity of the Hispanic and Latin American communities. Events are open to students, faculty, staff and the larger community. All events are free of charge.
Event Schedule
September 15 – October 15
Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month displays
Check out the Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month displays in the Student Union and GCC Library.
September 18, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cultural Wednesday with GCC’s Palms Café
Location: Palms Café
Join us for Festive Food Wednesdays with the GCC Palms Café. Each Wednesday, the GCC Cafeteria will be selling food from a different country to celebrate Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month.
September 18, 2024 | Noon – 1 p.m.
Pizza with the President: A Conversation with Dr. Tiffany Hernandez
Location: SU 104 D&E
Come meet Your President, Dr. Tiffany Hernandez. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and/or express concerns about issues that affect you on campus while enjoying free pizza.
September 22 – 28, 2024
Banned Book Week: A Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month Book Display
Location: GCC Library
This Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month and Banned Book Week, the GCC’s Library presents a Book display featuring authors of Latiné/Hispanic descent who have had one of their books challenged or banned in the classrooms or school libraries.
September 24, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Living Latine/Hispanic Heritage: Honoring the Past and Creating a Future
Presenter: Dr. Jacqueline Martinez
Location: Virtually on Zoom
Latine/Hispanic communities in the United States are incredibly diverse and difficult to generalize. When we gather as Latine/Hispanic people we discover the richness of this diversity and learn about the many family histories that bring us together. Coming together to learn about each other and our histories allows us to honor the lives of our parents, grandparents, and more distant ancestors, while we build a future that sees the diversity of our heritage thrive in community. Each of us plays an important role in building this future. In this talk, Dr. Martinez brings her expertise in existential communication and Latina philosophy to concerns for exerting freedom and responsibility in community.
September 25, 2024 | 11 a.m. - Noon
From a Nogales Boy to Arizona Poet Laureate: One Latino's Journey
Presenter: Arizona Poet Laureate, Alberto Rios
Location: Virtually on Zoom
In his compelling presentation, Alberto Ríos intricately intertwines themes of cultural identity, borderlands, language and bilingualism, and literary craft, illuminating the nuanced layers of his Mexican-American heritage along the U.S.-Mexico border. Through his evocative poetry and insightful reflections, Ríos explores how language acts as both a barrier and a bridge, seamlessly blending English and Spanish to express the complex realities and shared humanity of borderland communities. His mastery of literary craft not only captivates audiences but also deepens their understanding of how storytelling can transcend borders, celebrating diversity while forging connections that resonate universally. Ríos' narrative prowess not only enriches our appreciation of cultural landscapes but also underscores the enduring power of literature to unify and inspire across cultural boundaries.
September 25, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cultural Wednesday with GCC’s Palms Café
Location: Palms Café
Join us for Festive Food Wednesdays with the GCC Palms Café. Each Wednesday, the GCC Cafeteria will be selling food from a different country to celebrate Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month.
October 2, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
GCC Diversity Committee 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Speaker’s Forum
Panelists: Stephanie Vasquez, Entrepreneur & Latina Business Leader; Amy Vazquez, Community Relations Someburros; Vanessa Ramirez, Owner – Victory Legal Solutions
Location: SU 104 D&E
Join us in welcoming three local business leaders who will share their journeys through the business world and how they created opportunities for themselves and others.
October 2, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cultural Wednesday with GCC’s Palms Café
Location: Palms Café
Join us for Festive Food Wednesdays with the GCC Palms Café. Each Wednesday, the GCC Cafeteria will be selling food from a different country to celebrate Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month.
October 7, 2024 | 1:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Latinx Representation in Academic Spaces: U.S. Spanish & Bilingualism
Presenter: Dr. Garbielle Yocupiccio
Location: Virtually on Zoom
In this thought-provoking presentation, Dr. Gabrielle Yocupicio from Arizona State University explores the multifaceted dimensions of Latinx representation within academic spaces, focusing on the role of U.S. Spanish and bilingualism. Dr. Yocupicio delves into how Latinx identities are navigated and represented in educational contexts, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that arise for bilingual and Spanish-speaking students and scholars. The presentation addresses the impact of language on academic success and cultural inclusion, examining how bilingualism can both enrich and complicate academic experiences. Dr. Yocupicio will also discuss strategies for creating more inclusive and supportive environments for Latinx individuals, highlighting best practices for integrating bilingual perspectives into curriculum and institutional policies. Attendees will gain insights into the intersection of language, identity, and representation in academia, and come away with practical recommendations for fostering greater equity and recognition of Latinx contributions in educational settings.
October 9, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cultural Wednesday with GCC’s Palms Café
Location: Palms Café
Join us for Festive Food Wednesdays with the GCC Palms Café. Each Wednesday, the GCC Cafeteria will be selling food from a different country to celebrate Latiné/Hispanic Heritage Month.
October 15, 2024 | 1 p.m.
"Danza Azteca Dance Ceremony"
Performer: Danza Azteca Grupo Coatlicue
Location: Student Union Building
Danza Azteca Grupo Coatlicue is a vibrant and culturally rich performance group dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditional dance and ceremonial practices of the Aztec civilization. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Mesoamerica, Grupo Coatlicue brings to life the powerful rhythms, intricate movements, and symbolic significance of Aztec dance through their dynamic performances. The group’s repertoire includes a range of dances that reflect the historical, spiritual, and ceremonial aspects of Aztec culture. Each performance is characterized by elaborate costumes, including feathered headdresses and intricate beadwork, and is accompanied by traditional drumming and chants. These elements together create a captivating display of artistry and cultural heritage. Danza Azteca Grupo Coatlicue not only serves as a bridge to the past but also as a vibrant testament to the living traditions of indigenous Mexican culture. Their performances offer audiences a unique opportunity to engage with and appreciate the rich tapestry of Aztec history and spirituality.