Ana Castillo at NIU-DeKalb Oct. 3rd

Latino Heritage Month begins Thursday

Novelist and poet Ana Castillo

Novelist and poet Ana Castillo

Every fall semester from Sept. 15 through Oct.15, the Latino Resource Center (LRC) and the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies (CLLAS) organize academic, social, cultural and professional events for the NIU student body and community to celebrate Latino Heritage Month.

Latino Heritage Month recognizes the richness and diversity of Latino culture and history in the United States and Latin America. This year's activities will highlight Latino music, art and history.

All events are free and open to the public.

The celebration kicks off with "El Grito," the traditional commemoration of Mexican independence, from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Latino Center, 515 Garden Road. The event features food, games and prizes.

This year's keynote speaker is the critically acclaimed novelist and poet Ana Castillo, who will speak from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, in the Visual Arts Building.