Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This celebration typically highlights the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain and Latin America.
According to the National Hispanic Heritage Month website, the observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and continued under President Ronald Reagan in 1988. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, as a 30 day period of celebration.
The day of Sept. 15 is particularly significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days soon after on Sept.16 and Sept.18. Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, celebrated on Oct. 12, also falls within this special 30-day time frame.
Spanish instructor Wendell Shank weighed in on the richness and complexity of the Latinx cultures celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month: “Being Latinx could be best described as the unique richness of an individual with heritage from Latin American countries and living in America coming together. Being Latinx is a broad umbrella term that can sometimes be misunderstood. Being Latinx doesn’t even necessarily mean you speak Spanish, but the focus is on blending of the cultures.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month means so much to millions of people who identify as Latinx, including those here at EMU.
When asked what the festivities mean to him, Juan Hernandez Urueta, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding student and Spanish language assistant, said, “For me, [it is important to bring the] community in general closer to Latin American culture. It raises awareness about the cultural differences that make us unique and valuable within a multicultural community like the United States. Personally, these activities [that EMU is hosting] allow me to broaden my horizons and … understand the importance of Latinos and the influence and richness that [they bring] to the United States.”
Students in a 300 level Spanish class, taught by Director of the Spanish and Hispanic Studies Program Maria Esther Showalter, rang in the month by attending a performance by Olmeca on Sept. 23 at the James Madison University’s Forbes Concert Hall. At JMU, students enjoyed Olmeca’s unique blend of Latino and modern hip hop music, inspired by his childhood on the Mexico-California border and centering around the duality of Latinx identity.
The Spanish Language and Hispanic Studies Program also celebrated this special time by hosting a “Readings of the Giants of Hispanic Literature” event in Thomas Plaza on Monday, Sept. 27.
“Sitting and listening to the readings was such a relaxing time after a busy day. It was also an honor to have two beloved faculty, Ray Horst and Don Clymer, come back to visit us!” said Program Director Maria Esther Showalter.
The Spanish Language and Hispanic Studies Program have more events planned throughout the month. At 6 p.m. Oct. 16 in Common Grounds, faculty emeritus Don Clymer will read from his book “Coming of Age in Honduras” and a Hispanic folklore night is scheduled for Oct. 18 at 6:30 in Thomas Plaza.
