National Hispanic Heritage Month

Mid-September marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Beginning as Hispanic Heritage Week, President Lyndon Johnson started the observation in 1968, and in 1988 it was expanded to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15, the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, and ending on October 15.

There are several celebrations and events taking place across the University of Minnesota and Twin Cities communities over the month. Please check them out!

University of Minnesota events

• September 9 - December 9: Vaivén: 21st-Century Art of Puerto Rico and Its Diaspora
• September 24: 5th Annual Ramona Arreguín de Rosales Lecture: Somewhere We Are Human

Twin Cities events

• September 20-21: Viva La Vida: Taco & Tequila Festival
• October 8-12: Cine Latino Film Festival
• October 17: Gala Latina

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Thank you for your service!

The ASR Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) committee would like to recognize and thank Ian Whitney and Ingrid Nuttall as their time on the DEI committee comes to a close. Ian and Ingrid made invaluable contributions and DEI efforts in ASR while serving on the committee. Thank you both!

National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 marked the beginning of the United State’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, which continues until October 15. Originally observed as Hispanic Heritage Week beginning in 1968 and later extended to a month in 1988, this month is a national period of reflection and celebration of the histories, traditions, cultural diversity, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans.

This month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries:

• September 15: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
• September 16: Mexico
• September 18: Chile
• September 21: Belize

As stated in the U.S. President’s 2022 Proclamation of National Hispanic Heritage Month, “Since the beginning, our country has drawn strength and insights from Hispanic writers, scientists, soldiers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor and government.” In that spirit, you may find some of the following material of interest this month:

• National Public Radio (NPR) has compiled a list of programming in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, including a retelling of how Hernán Cortés and his army conquered the Aztec Empire.
• A 2022 article in the L.A. Times compiled a list of books to read by Latinx authors.
• The Seattle Public Library has a list of recent children’s books by Latinx authors and illustrators.
• Are you a data person? You might find the census statistics compiled by the United States Census Bureau of interest.

Join our ASR DEI Community of Practice

Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up-to-date with DEI initiatives. More resources and information about the DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.