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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month


Have you ever wondered why the Hispanic/Latino has a month for Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month? And why is it that it that starts September 15th and ends October 15th.  Why not keep it to one month?

The following might help you understand the reasons why:

On September 15, 1821 Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua proclaimed their independence.  In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on September 16th, 18th and 21st respectively. Hispanic Heritage Month concludes on October 15th since October 12th is the controversial holiday of Día de la Raza also known as Columbus Day. This month is a time for Hispanics to remember their history, acknowledge the sacrifice and compromise it took to gain their independence and celebrate their rich and diverse origins, as well as their contribution to American citizenry whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico and Spain.

This celebration started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month in 1988. On August 17, 1988 it was approved into law.

From September 15th through October 15th, the Latino Empowerment Network (LEN) will be collaborating with the Diversity Council, the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development, World Languages and Cultures Department and the Student Events and Governance Association (SEGA) to bring you activities in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and promote greater cultural understanding of the diverse Latino/Hispanic community.

In the meantime please mark your calendars for the following events:

Interested in studying in another country?  Come learn about study abroad opportunities.  The experience of studying in another country can change your perspective on life; broaden your horizons and open doors to better careers and job opportunities. Professor Louis Silvers will help answer questions and provide information and tools that could make studying abroad a real possibility for you.
LOCATION: PRISM Multicultural Center
WHEN: Monday, October 3 at 12:00 noon-1:00 pm and Thursday, October, 18 at 2:30-3:30 pm

Artist José Olivieri Riviera, a Puerto Rican native will be honoring us with a short lecture about his work along with a brief history of his life and how art has inspired him.  His work will amaze you and inspire students from all backgrounds.
LOCATION: PRISM Multicultural Center
WHEN: October 15, 2016 through November 15, 2016

Jorge Alas
World Languages and Cultures
09/19/2016