Imani Tailly, Staff Writer
Hispanic Heritage Month is here! Celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” The history of Hispanic Heritage Month is rich with connections to the independence of Latin American countries and accomplishments by Hispanic and Latinx Americans.
Many places across the United States have events for Hispanic Heritage Month. This calendar shows everything UNC Greensboro is doing. Some noteworthy events include:
- On Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m., the first VOISES panel, held in EUC Sharpe, will feature Latinx students as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Throughout September and October, Latinx Connections will meet each Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Smith Campus Ministries (Second Floor, Room 214). The weekly discussion group is open to all Latin-identified UNCG students, regardless of identities, nationality, or racial/ethnic background. A willingness to engage and honor group members’ privacy are the only requirements to attend.
- On Sept. 26 at 6 p.m., a talent show performed by students will take place in the Elliott University Center Auditorium.
- On Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m., Hispanic Excellence in Business will present an alumni panel of entrepreneurs in the Bryan School of Business, Room 160.
When Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, it was only a week-long event. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to be a month-long event. The event now spans from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. These dates were chosen because many Latin countries’ independence days fall between these dates. Sept. 15 is the Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico’s Independence Day is Sept. 16.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to reflect and learn about Latin American culture. American census data from 2020 revealed that one out of four children in the United States are Hispanic or Latinx. Because Hispanic and Latinx history is not frequently shown in our school systems, it is important to take time, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month, to learn more about the significant impacts Hispanic and Latinx people have had on American history.
Let’s take a moment to recognize some amazing contributors to Hispanic heritage and Latinx American culture. A strong figure of leadership is found in Cesar Chavez. His work for the rights of workers on farms made him a famous figure of civil rights. There is also Dr. Ellen Ochoa, who became the first Latina in space in 1993, flying in the Discovery space shuttle. A more recent well-known figure is Lin-Manuel Miranda. The creator and star of the Broadway musical hits In the Heights and Hamilton, Miranda’s work and advocacy for people of color highlight him in a new generation of change-makers. Lastly, on a political level, there is Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. With a degree from the prestigious Princeton University, she became the first Hispanic and Latina woman on the Supreme Court in 2009 and the third woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
Take time to explore community and campus events, research, and learn about Hispanic and Latinx figures in American history and changemakers still shaping history today. The National Museum of the American Latino website has links to events, virtual exhibits, and more information about Hispanic Heritage Month.
UNCG Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar Link
National Museum of the American Latino Website Link
National Museum of the American Latino Virtual Exhibit Link
THE CAROLINIAN 