University of Michigan Latina/o Studies

10/09/2026

John Santos Sextet
Friday, November 13, 2026 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Keene Theater
East Quadrangle
701 E. University Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Free - no tickets required

Led by seven-time Grammy nominee John Santos, the John Santos Sextet brings Afro-Latin jazz to life through irresistible rhythms, bold improvisation, and deep musical connection. The ensemble blends jazz with the rich traditions of the Caribbean and Latin America, creating music that is both rooted in history and vibrantly contemporary.

Known for its dynamic performances and exceptional musicianship, the sextet invites audiences into a joyful, soulful exploration of rhythm and culture. Expect an unforgettable evening of percussion-driven grooves, spirited collaboration, and music that moves both body and mind.

Presented by the U-M Center for World Performance Studies with support from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance Percussion Program.

If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Center for World Performance Studies at [email protected] at least one week in advance of this event. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the University to arrange.

10/06/2026

U.S. at 250: Enduring American Colonialism in Puerto Rico
October 14, 2026 | 4:00-6:00 pm
1014 Tisch, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Sponsored by the Department of American Culture, Department of History, the Latina/o Studies Program, and the U.S. at 250 Committee.

How do debt and colonialism impact the experience of Puerto Ricans? This panel features two leading scholars of Puerto Rico: Jorell Meléndez-Badillo (University of Wisconsin, Madison), author of Puerto Rico: A National History (Princeton University Press, 2024), and Rocío Zambrana (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras), author of Colonial Debts: The Case of Puerto Rico (Duke University Press, 2021). Event organized by Lawrence La Fountain-Stokes. Free and open to the public.

10/03/2026

Día de los Mu***os Community Altar. This year, the opening will be held on Thursday, October 29th, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the East Quad Piano Atrium. You are all cordially invited to submit photographs of your loved one(s) and attend the opening event. There will also be DDLM-themed raffles and curated goodie bags for the first 50 attendees. Please contact Teresa Sanchez-Snell & Ashley Lucas to submit your photograph(s). The submission deadline is Sunday, October 25th. We look forward to honoring your departed family members and seeing you at our opening event!

09/30/2026

Una noche de Flamenco - Ann Arbor District Library
Free event, open to the public:

Flamenco Evening at the Ann Arbor District Library
343 S. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 6:30pm

Jorge Gonzalez del Pozo is Professor of Spanish at UM Dearborn.

09/29/2026

How can music, performance, and DIY philosophy serve as tools for collective survival and radical joy? ⚡️✨

Join the Department of American Culture for Professor Lawrence La Fountain-Stokes's presentation about Jayá con Macha Colón: Jayaera and Punk Self-Becoming in Community.

In the context of Puerto Rico’s ongoing social, political, and environmental challenges, performer Macha Colón offers "jayaera" as a collective strategy of survival, self-actualization, and radical joy. This talk explores her q***r, feminist, punk, and DIY philosophy, her connection with fans, and how performance creates spaces for community and hope.

Event Details:

🗓 Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

⏰ Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST

📍 Location: Room 3512, Haven Hall (University of Michigan)

📲 More Info: Scan the QR code in the flyer image to access event details!
https://bit.ly/4duiDrF

09/23/2026

Join us on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in room 3773 Haven Hall (conference room in the Ethnic Studies lounge) from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.!

We'll enjoy pie, drinks, and music while curating vision boards to start the new academic year!
Our Peer Mentor, Brenda, will be on-site to help you create the vision boards digitally, then print and laminate them.

If you are attending (or unsure), please RSVP here. https://forms.gle/vJtAkW8UDnG8zbDa8

Hope to see you there!

09/16/2026

In honor of Latine Heritage Month, the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (LSA) and the Department of Dance (School of Music, Theater, and Dance) at the University of Michigan are hosting a Free Dance Jam on Tuesday, 9/22, 6:00-8:00pm.

Come one, come all: invite your friends and share widely! This is free and open to the public, right outside of the MLB (Modern Language Building) on Ingalls Mall North, 881 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI.

Featuring DJ Sed The Truth, a musical artist, rapper, and creative from Ypsilanti, Michigan. We hope to see you there!

09/14/2026

Latine Heritage Month Calendar now available! https://trotter.umich.edu/events-programs/heritage-months/latine-heritage-month

What is Latine Heritage Month? Latine Heritage Month is the U-M's month-long celebration of Latine/a/o/x people, cultures, and contributions, taking place mid September through mid October. It coincides with National Hispanic American Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from September 15 - October 15, and first federally recognized in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week.

Latine Heritage Month at U-M is led by the Trotter/MESA's Latine Heritage Month Committee.

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09/10/2026

31st Wallenberg Medal and Lecture: Guerline Jozef, the co-founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, will receive the 2026 Wallenberg Medal on Tuesday, September 29th at 4:30PM in Rackham Auditorium. In keeping with the tradition of the Wallenberg Lecture, Jozef will draw on her personal experience to share with the audience her understanding of how one person can make a difference.

For more information see here: https://wallenberg.umich.edu/news-and-events/guerline-jozef-2026/

09/03/2026

Join La Casa’s newest initiative at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor! A mentorship program called “Camino A Casa” dedicated to helping students feel a sense of belonging, learning how to navigate campus and a PWI, friendships, and cultural exploration. Whether you're looking for guidance or ready to give it, there's a spot for you. Scan the QR code or click the link below to sign up as a mentor or mentee!