ECC Marks Cultural Heritage Month

ECC President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye joins Gotasi, creator of Chromatic Pyramidism, for Cultural Heritage Month.

NEWARK, N.J. — Essex County College is kicking off Cultural Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The College’s celebration includes art, music, dance, and stories that honor the history and traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities. It’s a chance for students, faculty, staff, and the community to come together and enjoy the richness of these cultures. 

“Cultural Heritage Month at ECC is about more than celebration — it’s about learning,” said ECC President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye. “These events help our students connect history to their own journeys and give them the tools to succeed in the classroom and in life.”

Organized by the Student Excellence and Engagement Center, this year’s highlights include an opening ceremony, live performances, guest speakers, an art exhibition and more.  

“At Essex County College, Cultural Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the resilience, creativity and impact of Hispanic and Latino communities,” said Dr. Mirian Ochoa, coordinator of the Student Excellence & Engagement Center. “These celebrations invite all of us — students, faculty, staff and neighbors — to reflect, learn and grow together while strengthening the sense of community that defines ECC.”  

Throughout the month, ECC community members can also enjoy:

ECC’s 2nd Floor Forum opened Cultural Heritage Month with art, culture and community on Sept. 16.
  • Opening Ceremony & Art Exhibition 
    Tuesday, Sept. 16 @ 12 p.m. | 2nd Floor Forum 
  • Salsa Class Hosted by NJ Salsa 
    Tuesday, Sept. 16 @ 12:50 p.m. | Dance Studio 

  • Guest Speaker Series: Pioneers of Change 
    Tuesday, Sept. 30 @ 2:30 p.m. | Siegler Hall 
  • Latidos Del Arte: A Cultural Celebration of Performance Art 
    Thursday, Oct. 9 @ 5 p.m. | Siegler Hall 
  • Fall Pop-up Trivia Event  
    Wednesday, Oct. 15 @ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m | 2nd Floor Forum 
  • Closing Ceremony & Luncheon  
    Wednesday, Oct. 15 | 1:30 p.m. | Room 3234 (Green Area) 

The College acknowledges the contributions of the Dining Partnership Group (DPG), The Rotary Club of the Caldwells, Tylexa Enterprises, Gladys’ Cleaning Service, and Visions Federal Credit Union, whose support makes the Cultural Heritage Month celebrations possible.  

For questions about Cultural Heritage Month activities, please contact: Dr. Mirian Ochoa at [email protected]. For up-to-the-minute details on cultural heritage month activities, download the Essex County College app on the App store or Google Play. For questions about using the app, contact Dr. Leigh Bello-Bryan at [email protected].