On Thursday, Student Activities Board and Hermana y Hermano student-led organizations, along with the A-State Multicultural Center, will jointly host the traditional El Grito event on campus in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The event, beginning at 6 p.m., will include an evening of food, music, and culturally-immersing activities. A’Kirah Ester, SAB event director and sophomore Nursing major from Conway, said the creative reins of the event were considerately handed to the Hermana y Hermano association.

“We have collaborated with H and   and even the Multicultural Center, they have given really great feedback about what does well, what people like, so I just took that into consideration.” Ester said. 

“It’s a good idea, in a very cultural event, to really make [students] feel welcome and seen. I knew bringing that back and giving H and H the creative lead would probably make this the most inclusive and respectful cultural event that my department has put on.”

Jade Garibayd, a junior finance major from Los Angeles and president of Hermana y Hermano, said this year’s event will feature cultural activities involving crafts. 

“We came up with the idea of getting clay plates, and then providing the paint and the versions, and people can paint their own little clay pots,” Garibayd said. “They can use it just for decor, or, if they want to use it, like, for gardening, too–it’s up to them. We will provide designs if they want to do Hispanic designs or not–they could definitely paint whatever they want on it.”

The “El Grito” name stems from a Mexican tradition dating back to Sept. 16, 1810 and the commencement of the country’s War of Independence, as well as annually marking the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month worldwide. 

Morgan Rothwell, first-year animal science major from Jonesboro and SAB affiliate member, said she hopes the event will spread cultural awareness and welcome all students.

“I hope that students will gain more appreciation for diversity and gain a better understanding of Hispanic contributions and history,” Rothwell said.

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