The Office of Institutional Diversity invites you to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15- October 15. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
On September 30, Dean Fernando Colon-Navarro, Associate Dean and Professor of Law at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, will be speaking in the Stern Center Ballroom at 7:00 p.m. At this talk, you can learn about what happened in the pre-Brown vs. Board of Education struggle for Latino children in the public schools.
Each and every heritage should be recognized and celebrated. It is important to realize that our nation is a “melting pot” of a variety of cultures and heritages, making it a unique and welcoming nation. Please think about and appreciate both Spanish heritage and your own heritage during this month.
