Dignity for All
The University of Dayton’s mission as a Catholic and Marianist institution is rooted in the belief that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and has a fundamental dignity that transcends faith, nationality, race, social status and identity. As such, the University is committed to being a place of welcome, respect and intellectual inquiry. By shedding light on hidden and incomplete histories, this blog post validates the dignity, agency and authorship of people and cultures underrepresented in libraries and curricula. Read more about UD’s mission.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the University of Dayton honors the rich and varied cultures and contributions of people who trace their ancestry to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. UD celebrates this month as Latinx Heritage Month, though it's also commonly known nationwide as Hispanic Heritage month.
Recommended Reads
In comics and graphic novels, visual art complements powerful storytelling about adventure, personal experiences, history, culture and more. This list celebrates Latinx illustrators and authors, plus some nonfiction reads about Latinx comics history. The links provide access to UD students, staff and faculty; titles may also be found at your local public library.
- Infinity Gauntlet, by Jim Starlin, author; George Pérez and Ronald Lim, pencilers; Josef Rubinstein, Tom Christopher and Bruce Solotoff, inkers; and Christie Scheele, Ian Laughlin and Evelyn Stein, colorists
Illustrator and comic book writer George Pérez (1954 – 2022) was renowned for his work on superhero comics, including The Avengers and The New Teen Titans. This volume takes place when few superheroes remain after Thanos destroys half the universe with the Infinity Gauntlet.
- Ricanstruction: Reminiscing & Rebuilding Puerto Rico, by Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez
This anthology features original stories and characters that explore the history and envisioned future of Puerto Rico.
- Diary of a Reluctant Dreamer: Undocumented Vignettes From a Pre-American Life, by Alberto Ledesma
This hybrid memoir presents a humorous, gritty and multilayered portrait of undocumented immigrant life in urban America.
- Tales From la Vida: A Latinx Comics Anthology, edited by Frederick Luis Aldama
This collection of comics created by Latinx artists and writers sheds light on various autobiographical experiences.
- Latinx Comics Studies: Critical and Creative Crossings, edited by Fernanda Díaz-Basteris and Maite Urcaregui
The works in this collection examine how comics by, for and about Latinx peoples creatively and conceptually experiment with the very boundaries of “Latinx” and portray the diverse lived experiences therein.
- Latinx Superheroes in Mainstream Comics, by Frederick Luis Aldama
This book offers the first thorough exploration of Latinx superheroes in mainstream comic books, TV shows and movies.
Recommended Animated Films
University of Dayton students, faculty and staff can stream these titles from Latinx filmmakers. Check your local library for availability.
- Coco, Lee Unkrich, director; Adrian Molina, co-director; and Adrian Molina and Matthew Aldrich, co-writers.
A boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a famous guitar player, despite the misgivings of his close-knit family. When his lofty ambitions cause him to run afoul of a curse, he must journey into the Land of the Dead to seek forgiveness from his ancestors.
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman, co-directors; Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman, screenplay co-writers; and Phil Lord, story writer.
After a bite from a radioactive spider, Miles Morales becomes the one and only Spider-Man. When a dimensional gateway opens up, Miles soon realizes he isn't the only spider superhero as he meets many different versions of Spider-Men from other universes, including the original Peter Parker.
For additional title suggestions to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, browse the Libraries’ Latinx Heritage Month Collection Spotlight.