By Jennifer Mendez What is Latinx (or Hispanic) Heritage Month? Each year, Americans observe National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, c…

(This is a guest post by Catalina Gómez, Curator of the PALABRA Archive in the Latin American, Caribbean and European division) Following its annual National Hispanic Heritage Month tradition, the Hispanic Reading Room in the Latin American, Caribbean and European division (LAC&E) announces the digital release of 50 new streaming audio recordings in the PALABRA …

Here at the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library circulation desk, we serve as a home base to the James E. Rogers College of Law students and public patrons. As some of the first faces you see when you walk in, we are the first to answer any questions you may have on course textbooks, locating resources, or most importantly Lost & Found. However, rarely do we get questions about our additional resources and collections here in the library. As an LIS professional and advocate of continual learning, I’m often eager to encourage students to take a moment to explore all that our Libraries has to offer. That is why in recognition and celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we at the circulation desk are going to take a moment explore the rich history of why we celebrate as well as highlight some of the exciting stories and collections we have available on campus.

On Friday, October 29 beginning at 5pm, the Latinx Law Students Association (LLSA) together with the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library will be commemorating Día de los Muertos. During this event, LLSA will provide arts and crafts to create and contribute mementos (or bring your own) for the ofrenda, which will be set up in the Law Library lobby from Oct. 29 – Nov. 3. Also, we will be screening the movie Coco, around 5:30 or 6pm, with introductory remarks by LLSA members.

This is the second post in a series about student organizations at the College of Law to help students find out what is going on at the school and get involved. Each blog post will feature an interview with the leadership of a student group. President Luis Torrero agreed to answer some questions about the Latino Law Student Association (LLSA). Thank you, Luis, for taking a break from your studies to answer a few questions.

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture. The holiday is celebrated each year from October 31- November 2. While October 31 is Halloween, November 1 is "el Dia de los Inocentes," or the day of the children who have passed away, and All Saints Day. November 2 is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are open at midnight on October 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2.