UAA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

UAA is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15–Oct. 15. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture and honors five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their independence in mid-September. The recognition started with a week in 1968 and expanded to a month in 1988.

The word Hispanic, first coined by the Census Bureau as a means of categorization, refers to those who come from Spanish speaking countries. Latino/Latina (Latinx in gender-neutral form) refers to those who come from countries in Latin America. While there is great overlap, not all Latin Americans speak Spanish and not all Hispanics are Latin American.

There is great diversity within Hispanic/Latinx communities, including ethnicity, food, music, folklore, art, religion, language and many of the other things celebrated during this month. To learn more about the variety of cultures, you can research specific countries of origin or learn about the immigration experiences of Hispanic/Latinx Americans. PBS has an extensive web series called Latino Americans that covers any topic you could want to know more about.

As always, when you are celebrating a culture that differs from your own, be sensitive to avoiding stereotypes about that culture.  It is important to be aware of the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation, so that we are not disrespecting other people’s values, beliefs and norms.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations

Sept. 15 | All day | Latino Student Union (LSU) Instagram Student Takeover
LSU president will take over Student Life & Leadership Instagram and help kick off the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Sept. 24 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Mochileros Street Food
Come on down to the Spenard Food Truck Festival and be one of the first 50 Seawolves will get a free $10 meal from Mochileros Street Food. Must have your WOLFcard.

Oct. 6 | 7 p.m. | Online Watch Party
Join us for a virtual watch party to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Check back soon for more information. 

September Archive