Starting in March, New Mexico State University's Latin American Programs will begin its monthlong initiative of creating a broader and more intentional space for connection, advocacy, and celebration in a series of events called Frutos y Raíces.

Latin American Programs, or LAP, originally hosted a week of events called Latino Week every spring. But when Chicano Programs transitioned into LAP and the Hispanic Council became the Latin American Student Council, student leaders took charge in driving systemic change.

"The name Frutos y Raíces ('fruits and roots') symbolizes both honoring our roots – our histories, ancestors, and struggles, while also recognizing the fruits of our labor, the progress we make, the resilience we embody, and the community we build," said Rio López, director of Latin American Programs. "It's about looking back and moving forward, ensuring that our stories and efforts lead to lasting change."

The upcoming events include:

Colorful Conversations by SACNAS: 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the American Indian Student Center (North Training room)
· International Women's Day Zine Making: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at Zuhl Library, third floor
· Ramos & Raíces: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, Domenici Hall, Room 106
· Bandanas for Justice: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, Domenici Hall, Room 106
· Loteria Wellness Lunch: 1 to 3 p.m., Monday, March 31, at Corbett Center Student Union, Aggie Lounge
· Hip Hop sin Fronteras ni Límites: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, at Rentfrow Hall

The events are driven by student leaders who are at the core of the decision-making process and planning at LAP, López said. These organizations include the CAMP Student Council; NMSU Dream Team; Women in STEM League; Graduate Student Social Work Association; Conectados Club; First-Gen Student Club; Boricua Student Club; and SACNAS (co-mentored by LAP and American Indian Programs).

"We made it a priority to evolve our programming to align with our new goals: access, belonging, equity and intentional education, while still creating spaces for leisure, fun and bonding," López said. "Given the many challenges our communities are facing today, this educational focus has never been more important."

The events will focus on several critical issues that affect Latin American and immigrant communities, including immigration and farmworkers' rights; moving toward a sustainable future; wellness and radical care; grassroots organizing and artivism activism; and community building.

"At NMSU, where many students come from Latin American, immigrant, and Indigenous backgrounds, providing these spaces is essential," López said. "It ensures that students see themselves reflected in campus programming, have access to resources tailored to their needs, and feel empowered to take action. Representation matters and having dedicated events like these fosters a sense of belonging and collective strength."

Event collaborators include NMSU's first Outreach and Ethnic Studies librarian, Jess Zubia, NMSU Black Programs Director Cecil Rose, NMSU graduate student Walter Rascon, and Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy, among others.

LAP aims to make Frutos y Raíces a movement rather than just a series of events, and serves as a statement to be heard, supported, and celebrated.

"It reminds us that every small effort, every conversation, and every shared experience is a seed planted for future change. We honor those who came before us while working toward a future where our communities thrive beyond their struggles," López said. "At its core, Frutos y Raíces is about joy, resistance, and hope. It's about creating a world where we can all exist freely and unapologetically."

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-latin-american-programs-to-host-frutos-y-ra-ces-events/s/dc0d2131-4460-4af0-bb7e-9ebc545e2f94