Chicano History Month is in full swing, with students across campus honoring their heritage through a series of events in February.

The events are planned and sponsored by the Culturas de las Razas Unidas, MSU's Chicano student group Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Aztlan, ASMSU's Programming Board and the Chicano and Latino Studies program. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government.

"I feel that we have played an important role in the history of the United States. It's a good month to acknowledge that," said Culturas de las Razas Unidas co-chair Erik Saenz.

Events include traditional Chicano ghost storytelling, a Latin Xplosion talent show, a cultural dinner and a women's conference at the Kellogg Conference Center.

"Chicano refers to a certain community," said Isaias Delgadillo, chair of the political action committee for Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Aztlan, explaining that the term Hispanic is sometimes offensive to people.

Chicano addresses more of a cultural identity and political views, the political theory and constitutional democracy junior said.

Chicano History Month in February is separate from Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

"It's a different history that people celebrate, different accomplishments," Saenz said of the difference between the months. The goal of the month is to educate and motivate MSU students about Chicano culture, he said.

"We're very proud," Saenz said. "We encourage all students to attend."

Food industry management sophomore and Culturas de las Razas Unidas member Valia Michel-Cutino said she plans on attending the Latin Xplosion.

"It's so other cultures can learn from our culture," she said.

Latin Xplosion is open to all students and focuses on Chicano student performers on campus.

There will be singers, dancers and other acts, Saenz said, adding tryouts for the event took place last week.

Saenz said he is particularly looking forward to the Dia de La Mujer Conference.

"It should be really good. People come from all over to attend," he said. "It's totally planned by females on campus."

But not all students think setting aside a month to celebrate a culture is a good idea.

"I think it's kind of a sad sign that we have to designate a month rather than celebrating it all the time," said general management senior Katie Greer. However, she added that the special months do create awareness.

"A lot of times if they're not of that heritage, they don't learn about it," Greer said of students.

Chicano History Month Events

· "Flor y Canto II" Poetry Night - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Culturas de las Razas Unidas room, Wilson Hall basement.

Maria Zavala will host this event, reading poetry on subjects such as politics and culture. Students also will be able read their own poetry.

· "Dichos" - 7 p.m. Thursday, Culturas de las Razas Unidas room, Wilson Hall basement. Hear traditional Chicano "dichos," or sayings, as well as ghost stories and myths from Mexican culture. Hosted by students Sandra Rodriguez, Maria Carmona and Patricia Carmona.

· "Amor a la Mexicana" Valentine's Day dance - 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Demonstration Hall. Music such as cumbia, salsa and merengue will be played for students to learn to dance.

· Movie Night - 7 p.m. Sunday, Multicultural Center in the Union basement. Screening of "And Starring Panco Villa as Himself." This film tells the story of how a Mexican revolutionary allowed a film crew to record him and his army fighting the Mexican Huerta forces.

· Guest Speaker - 7 p.m. Monday, McDonel Hall Kiva. Josephine Mendez-Negrete will read and enact segments from her book "Las Hijas De Juan: Daughters Betrayed." The book chronicles Mendez-Negrete's troubled family life growing up.

· Chicano Arts and Crafts - 7 p.m. Feb. 18, Culturas de las Razas Unidas room, Wilson Hall basement. This workshop will allow participants to create their own works of art related to Chicano culture. Hosted by students Andie Gonzalez and Angie Gonzalez.

· Chicano Youth Day - Feb. 20, all day.

Chicano high school students from Lansing and East Lansing will have the opportunity to tour campus with MSU Chicano undergraduate students.

· "Latin Xplosion" - 6 p.m. Feb. 21, Fairchild Theatre. This event will feature a variety of Chicano and Latino entertainment performed by students and community members.

· Movie Night - 7 p.m. Feb. 22, Multicultural Center in the Union basement. Screening of "Blood In Blood Out: Bound by Honor," a movie about three cousins raised as brothers growing up Chicano.

· "Cena Mexicana" - 7 p.m. Feb. 25, Culturas de las Razas Unidas room, Wilson Hall basement. Traditional Mexican food will be served, allowing students to socialize and experience different tastes.

· Chicano Unity Dinner - 6 p.m Feb. 27, Union Ballroom. This event will celebrate Chicano culture while strengthening relationships among the MSU community. Jose Angel Gutierrez, the keynote speaker, will talk about the importance of a Chicano united front.

· Dia de La Mujer Conference - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 28, Kellogg Center. This is an annual meeting of Latina women who come together to celebrate and educate on important issues. Featuring workshops, entertainment and exhibits.

· Movie Night - 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Feb. 29, Wells Hall. Screening of "Amores Perros," a film that raises questions about the human condition while reinventing styles of Latin cinema.