Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month
In Honor of National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, the Office of Equity and Inclusion is highlighting events, podcasts, articles, and more that celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Hispanic and Latinx communities.
“Our food is different, our customs are different; however, the unifying family spirit is the same across all Hispanic groups. This is what drives us all together; we help each other out and build each other up.” — Angel Ramos
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month is held from September 15 to October 15. It is celebrated nationwide and each year honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
A significant distinction to make in the education of Hispanic vs. Latinx terms is that Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendent of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country, and Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendent of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month began as a weeklong celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson. It wasn’t until 1988 that President Ronald Reagan extended the week to 31 days. He kept the starting date of Sept. 15 because it coincides with the national independence day of Guatemala, Honduras, Èl Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Similarly, Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16, Chilè on Sept. 18, and Belize on Sept. 21.
Celebrating at Carthage
Hispanic/Latinx Caf Takeover
4:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28
The Caf
To celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, the Caf will serve foods from many different Hispanic and Latinx countries. Learn more
Coffee and Conversation with Common Ground and Mi Gente
7 a.m., Friday, Oct. 7
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Come join Common Ground and Mi Gente for a Coffee and Conversation event with free coffee from Esperanza Coffee Collective (a local Guatemalan business), free coffee mugs for you to take home, and breakfast. All are welcome! To celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, we will talk about the importance of coffee in Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Hispanic Heritage Month Commemoration
5:15-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13
Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms
Meet guest speaker Miss Racine 2022 María José Castillo Venegas while enjoying music, dancing, games, and more! Rockittacos food truck will also be in front of the Todd Wehr Center during the event. Students can use their meal swipes to buy food from the truck.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources
On-campus
- Mi Gente student organization
- Engagement and Inclusion Center
- Resources and support
- Bias Education Response Team
Off-campus
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
- Hispanic Alliance for Latino Enhancement
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- League of United Latin American Citizens
- TransLatin@ Coalition
- UnidosUS
- United We Dream