Orange Coast College, a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by bringing together the campus community to celebrate, learn about, and appreciate Hispanic and Latinx cultures. The series of planned events will also provide a space to amplify Latinx voices and foster a deeper understanding of their rich heritage.
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and celebrates the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. OCC’s celebration will begin with a Counseling for Latinos for Equity and Engagement (CLEEO) Project event on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the CLEEO Project Center (GEC 109). Titled “Arte, Cultura, Labor, Sabor, & Amor 3,” the event will feature a culinary tasting of traditional foods and presentation of their cultural significance by acclaimed chefs. Additionally, there will be an art exhibition and presentation.
An additional CLEEO Project event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the CLEEO Project Center (GEC 109), featuring the documentary, “Pepe Serna: Life is Art.” Mr. Pepe Serna will be in attendance to discuss his career as an actor in Hollywood and the significance of his Chicano heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month festivities will continue with the Latine Heritage Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Union. This vibrant event will feature music, delicious treats and engaging cultural activities, including a musical performance, lotería, paper flower making, and merienda — an afternoon snack. Attendees can enjoy pan dulce, mini tamales, agua fresca and more.
The Student Equity Office will also host the second annual Lunchtería on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from noon to 2 p.m. in Student Union 101. Attendees can enjoy delicious food, fun activities, and a few exciting rounds of lotería for a chance to win prizes.
Here is a complete list of events and details:
Arte, Cultura, Labor, Sabor, & Amor 3
Wednesday, Sept. 30
12:30-2 p.m.
CLEEO Project Center (GEC 109)
This CLEEO Project event will feature a culinary tasting of traditional foods and presentation of their cultural significance by acclaimed chefs. Additionally, there will be an art exhibition and presentation.
Latine Heritage Celebration
Wednesday, Oct. 7
Noon-2 p.m.
Student Union
Join us as Orange Coast College celebrates and honors the histories, achievements, and contributions within our diverse communities, representing Hispanic, Latino/a, Latinx, Latine, Chicano/a, Indigenous, Afro-Latinx, and other identities across Latinidad. This vibrant event will feature music, delicious treats and engaging cultural activities, including a musical performance, loteria, paper flower making, and merienda — an afternoon snack. Attendees can enjoy pan dulce, mini tamales, agua fresca and more. This event is presented in collaboration with PUENTE, UndocuScholars, Student Equity & Pirates’ Promise, Pride Scholars, and COSTA.
Lunchtería
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Noon-2 p.m.
Student Union 101
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Equity-Promise Center at their second annual Lunchtería event! Enjoy delicious food, fun activities, and a few exciting rounds of lotería for a chance to win prizes. Come connect with fellow students and celebrate Latino culture, community, and tradition!
Film Screening of “Pepe Serna: Life is Art ”
Thursday, Oct. 15
4-6 p.m.
CLEEO Project Center (GEC 109)
CLEEO Project will host acclaimed Hollywood actor, Pepe Serna. The documentary "Pepe Serna-Life is Art" will be screened and Mr. Pepe Serna will be in attendance to discuss his career as an actor in Hollywood and the significance of his Chicano heritage. Mr. Serna has acted in 125 films and 300 TV shows over the course of his career which spans over 50 years. Mr. Serna is also an artist, motivational speaker, and activist.