CLC celebrates Latinx Heritage Month

College of Lake County has several events planned in honor of Latinx Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and recognizes the many contributions the Latinx community has given to American society and culture.

During the month, the Independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile are all celebrated.

"We are very proud to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month and honor CLC's status as a Hispanic Serving Institution," Latinx Student Outreach and Programs coordinator Rodolfo Ruiz-Velasco said.

"For the first time, the Latinx student population is the largest student population at CLC. We are recognizing the contributions of our Latinx community and also celebrating the new generation of Latinx leaders in our community."

According to the U.S. Department of Education, HSIs are colleges or universities in which Hispanic students comprise at least 25% of the full-time equivalent student body. This fall, 34.5% of CLC students identify as Latinx.

Events open to the public are slated for the monthlong celebration, in-person and virtual. These include: a session with actress April Hernandez, who starred in the movie "Freedom Writers"; a panel about the different Latinx immigrant generations in Lake County; men's and women's soccer games; and Latinx history trivia.

For a complete calendar of events, and to register for virtual ones, visit www.clcillinois.edu/events/latinx-heritage.