September recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson recognized the first Hispanic Heritage Week and in 1988, President Ronald Regan expanded the week to cover the 30-day period from September 15 to October 15. The celebration begins on September 15th because it is the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hondorus and Nicaragua. Mexico's independence day follows on September 16 and Chile celebrates independence day on September 28. Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of Hispanic culture.
Resources:
- Famous Firsts by Hispanic Americans
- Famous Hispanics
- Hispanic America
- Hispanic Heritage Awards
- Hispanic Heritage Month Activities
- Latin Organizations
- National Register of Historic Places
Program Ideas:
- Invite guest speakers
- Visual Displays: make bulletin boards in your residence halls or fill one of the display cases in the Student Union
- Show a movie that relates to Hispanic Heritage:
- Babel (2006)
- La Bamba (1987)
- Bandidas (2006)
- Frida (2002)
- Blessed By Fire (2005)
- Before Night Falls (2000)
