Events
Daily Recognition of Latin American Countries
Sept. 15-Oct. 15
Pedroso Center, Pedroso Facebook, Pedroso Center Instagram, and email listserv.
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) celebration
Thursday, Sept. 12
Noon-2:00 p.m.
Pedroso Center, 5480 N. St. Louis Ave.
Each year, Northeastern Illinois University celebrates National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Week. This week recognizes the 600 HSIs throughout the U.S. for their work and critical role in educating and empowering Hispanic students. Please join the Pedroso Center for our third annual block party in celebration of NEIU being the longest-standing four-year public HSI in the Midwest. There will be food, DJ Erick "Roho" Garcia, presentations and open discussions.
La Copa Soccer Tournament
Saturday, Sept. 14
9:00 a.m.-noon
Recreation Field (Behind the P.E. Complex)
Kicking off Latinx Heritage Month celebrations, the Pedroso Center, in collaboration with Campus Recreation, is excited to announce our annual La Copa Soccer Tournament. This tournament takes place every year during NEIU Weekend and is open to the entire University community.
colores de esperanza: pintando juntos para Prevención y la Sanación / colors of hope: painting together for prevention and healing
Tuesday, Sept. 17
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Pedroso Center, 5480 N. St. Louis Ave.
Pedroso Center's K(NO)W More welcomes you to a “paint and sip” event with the aim of fostering community engagement around gender-based violence prevention and healing, particularly within the Latine community. By combining art with meaningful dialogue, the event aims to provide a creative, supportive, and healing space for participants to express themselves, connect with others, and deepen their understanding of the issues at hand as it relates to gender-based violence. Participants will enjoy a guided painting session where they create art inspired by themes of hope, resilience, and healing. As they paint, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions about prevention strategies for gender-based violence (bystander intervention), the importance of community support, and the healing process.
Contact Annette Brandt for more information at a-brandt@neiu.edu.
Equity in Focus: Reflecting on the Impact of the Pretrial Fairness Act
Wednesday, Sept. 18
1:15-2:45 p.m.
Hybrid Event: Zoom and Pedroso Center, 5480 N. St. Louis Ave.
Pedroso Center's K(NO)W More invites you for an engaging panel discussion and presentation exploring the journey toward the development and passage of the Pretrial Fairness Act in Illinois which ended the use of cash bail as a condition for pretrial release. This landmark legislation was enacted one year ago and marks a significant step in reforming the pretrial justice system. Our event will provide a comprehensive overview of its origins, benefits, and the critical balance it seeks to achieve, and include a discussion on its impact on DVSAS survivors, particularly those within the Latine and other communities of color. The event will also explore how the Act balances victim safety with equitable justice, dispel common misconceptions, and provide support and resources to attendees.
Latine(o/x/a) Heritage Month Kickoff event
Thursday, Sept. 19
10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Pedroso Center, 5480 N. St. Louis Ave.
David Montalvo Presentation: Finding your voice
Thursday, Sept. 19
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Pedroso Center, 5480 N. St. Louis Ave.
David Montalvo is an NEIU Alumni who graduated in 2016. David moved to Las Vegas in 2020 and started a podcast called "The Outlet to Reality," which discusses issues on mental health, relationships and faith. The podcast now has over 290 videos. In 2023, David also wrote a book called Shabbat in Chicago that details his experience of childhood and his mother's struggles and faith. He has also given motivational talks at schools and events where he inspires students to follow their dreams and accept themselves.
Contact Alex Gonzalez at agonza55@neiu.edu for more information.
Al Sham dabke presentation
Tuesday, Sept. 24
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Pedroso Center, 5480 N. St. Louis Ave.
Join us at the Pedroso Center for a Dabke workshop welcoming Al Sham Dabke back to campus hosted by Mohamad Zoror. Dabke is a folk dance style that combines circle dance and line dancing popular among Lebanese, Jordanian, Palestinian and Syrian communities.
Contact Fawn Pochel at f-pochel@neiu.edu for more information.
Racial Equity and Real Estate Conversations: Homeownership in the Latino Community
Wednesday, Sept. 25
9:00 a.m.-noon
Alumni Hall
The Cook County Assessor's Office will host a conversation in collaboration with NEIU and the Pedroso Center to unpack these issues and discuss solutions.
Contact Dr. Dewitt Scott at dt-scott@neiu.edu for more information.
Pilsen Arts Gallery tour
Friday, Sept. 27
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
National Museum of Mexican Art, Pilsen Arts and Community House, Soul Full Chicago
Join the Pedroso Center team as we travel to the historical Pilsen neighborhood and visit three important locations that represent the art culture and diversity of the neighborhood. Our first stop is the National Museum of Mexican Art, the only accredited museum dedicated to Mexican art in the United States, where we will take a Dia de los Muertos tour led by museum staff.
Pilsen Arts and Community House is more than just a Latine-owned and woman-owned art gallery and community center — it's a hub of imagination and self-expression. They provide a space where artists and community members can come together and engage in the transformative power of art and culture. We will participate in a fun art making activity when we arrive.
Soul Full Chicago is a woman-owned and black-owned book store, cafe and event space filled with mural art, contemporary interior design, and music that puts its guests in a state of mind that encourages healing and mental freedom. The space clearly induces artistic expression! Meet the owner, artists and entrepreneurs.
Make sure to sign up for bus transportation above. Contact Alex Gonzalez at agonza55@neiu.edu for more information.
Pedroso Center Homecoming celebration with Mrs. Illinois American, Alicia Manzanares
Tuesday, Oct. 15
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Pedroso Center, 5480 N. St. Louis Ave.
More details TBA
