The Director of Learning Resources is on a mission to share Hispanic contributions and culture with the world
Hispanic Heritage Month at Miami Dade College is a series of events that celebrate history, identity, and the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities from generations. At the Miami Dade College Padrón Campus, Erick Dominicis, College-wide Director of Learning Resources and Chair of the Hispanic Heritage Committee, plays a central role.
His story is deeply tied to the mission of the committee. Dominicis recalls that it was not until he left his home country of Cuba that he began to fully explore his culture. Living in exile gave him the chance to look back with new appreciation. He studied Cuba’s history, its arts, and the legacy of Latin America.
“My experience is not unique,” he explained. “Many of us begin to value and explore our culture only after we leave it. That is why I joined the Hispanic Heritage Committee, to help share the richness of our culture with others.”
This year has been especially meaningful for Dominicis and his colleagues because of the reopening of the Miami Dade College Freedom Tower. The iconic building now houses new exhibitions that highlight the struggles and triumphs of the Hispanic community.
“It stands as a space where we can learn, remember, and celebrate. It is a place to feel proud of being Hispanic or Latino,” he said.
Celebrating Through Literature and the Arts
Under Dominicis’s leadership, the Hispanic Heritage Committee has created events that honor different aspects of culture, including music, food, and history. He admits that while every program is meaningful, he especially adores events centered on Hispanic literature.
“As an educator, I connect deeply with the stories and voices of our writers. Literature is a bridge to understanding the soul of our community,” he said.
This year, the committee has worked closely with the Freedom Tower exhibitions to tie local celebrations to the broader immigrant experience. It is a way of ensuring that students, faculty, staff, and the public can see how culture and history intersect with Miami’s present and future.
Erick Dominicis is making learning accessible
One of Dominicis’s priorities has been ensuring that Hispanic Heritage Month events are open to all. The committee works to provide hybrid options so people can attend either in person or online. The full calendar of Hispanic Heritage Month events can be viewed here: https://calendar.mdc.edu/hispanic_heritage#tabs-34546881998091-34678682564989
“Accessibility is key. The more people who can participate, the greater the impact,” he explained. With musical, historic, and artistic events, the goal is always to engage and connect people.
The reopening of the Freedom Tower has expanded these opportunities, which offer a permanent place where exhibitions portray the experiences of immigrant groups in South Florida while keeping Hispanic contributions front and center.
The significance of cultural heritage months
When asked why institutions like Miami Dade College should dedicate time to cultural celebrations, Dominicis points to the value of highlighting diverse voices.
“Every culture brings unique gifts to humanity,” he said. “Celebrating them creates opportunities to learn from one another and to celebrate together.”
The Freedom Tower is a historic landmark and an educational symbol. Erick Dominicis believes it also preserves cultural roots and strengthens community identity and unity.
Beyond popular trends
According to Dominicis, there are aspects of Hispanic culture that go unnoticed in modern celebrations. He argues that while popular music, food, and entertainment are important, people should not forget the deeper foundations of history, art, and intellectual achievements.
“Our roots are what make us who we are today,” he said. “Revisiting them helps us understand how far we have come and how much our past continues to influence our present.”
The Hispanic Heritage Month activities at the MDC Padrón Campus have consistently been met with enthusiasm. Erick Dominicis says the responses from students, faculty, and staff are always encouraging. There’s music, flavors, colors, stories, and history, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Looking ahead
Dominicis sees opportunities for the committee to grow in the coming years. He wants to expand outside arts and culture to showcase Hispanic contributions in science, mathematics, medicine, and other fields.
“Our community has made an impact across all areas of knowledge. We should showcase those achievements as well, so we give a fuller picture of our influence and legacy,” he said.
Besides a professional mission, Hispanic Heritage Month also holds personal values for Erick Dominicis. It gives him the chance to celebrate his own Cuban identity while also learning from colleagues about their traditions, music, and food.
The Freedom Tower, he believes, embodies this mission. It is a monument to the past and an inspiration for future generations to learn, grow, and connect.
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