Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
According to official UCLA Facts and Figures, did you know that Hispanic students make up 23% of UCLA undergraduates and 13% of UCLA graduate students? And did you know that there are approximately 26 Hispanic/Latinx clubs listed on the UCLA Student Organizations webpage? All 26 student organizations provide a space for Hispanic and Latinx students to learn about their culture and uplift their community.
ASUCLA reached out to six groups listed on the UCLA Student Organizations to feature for Hispanic Heritage Month; the groups featured are those who responded. (Please note that the clubs featured below are not a full representation of all the Hispanic/Latinx student organizations on campus.)
Read more to learn about how groups like the Latine Film and Theater Association (LFTA), the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and Grupo Folklórico de UCLA celebrate their cultural heritage and advocate for their community.
More information about all of UCLA’s Hispanic/Latinx student organizations is available on the UCLA Student Organizations webpage, available through the link below.
Latine Film and Theater Association
The Latine Film and Theater Association (LFTA) is the first and only Latine-focused film and theater group at UCLA. Its mission is to provide Latine students with a space that empowers them to create and showcase their artistic work in its annual showcase, Night of Cultura.
Throughout the year, LFTA produces original short films and theater plays produced entirely by its members. Through writing, producing, acting and designing, its members participate in all parts of the process. LFTA ends the year with its Night of Cultura showcase, where students premiere all of their new short films and plays to a live audience.
“The Latine population has been historically underrepresented and misrepresented in the entertainment industry for far too long, and LFTA is working to change that with our productions,” said LFTA PR co-chair Daisy Quiñones.
For more information on how to join and support, follow LFTA on its socials!
Instagram: @lftaucla
TikTok: @lftaucla
YouTube: @lftaucla
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science
The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) at UCLA is dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented students in higher education and in science. SACNAS is open to undergraduates, graduate students, transfer students, community college students, post doctorate students, faculty and staff who share a common concern about equal access to education, an interest in outreach and/or a need for opportunities in academic leadership and participation.
All majors and backgrounds are welcome to join the organization. Learn more about SACNAS through its website and Instagram.
Grupo Folklórico de UCLA
Grupo Folklórico de UCLA was established in 1966, becoming the first university folklórico group in Southern California. Folklórico is a type of traditional cultural dance with roots in Mexico and other Central American countries. Grupo Folklórico’s goal is to promote cultural diversity at UCLA and serve the surrounding communities by being educational and cultural advocates. The organization also aims to create a safe space for underrepresented students to freely embrace their culture and find community on campus.
Grupo Folklórico holds two showcases annually, the first of which celebrates Día de Los Muertos in November. All of Grupo Folklórico’s shows are free for the public and are a testament to the love and hard work that goes into maintaining its organization.
As a no-experience necessary group, Grupo Folklórico encourages anyone interested in learning about them to check them out on campus. For more information regarding practices and upcoming performances, find them on Instagram @gfdecucla.
