Friday, Sept. 15 marks the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month 2023. Nationally, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
This year’s theme is Avanzando Juntos: Moving Forward Together. The theme places focus on the importance of unity within the Latina/o/e/x community. Latina/o/e/x cultures often focus on the support and resources provided by the rest of their friends and family. A strong sense of community creates progress and a support system for everyone. Kent State University will feature programming centered around establishing unity within the Latina/o/e/x community and highlight the impact of making progress as a collective, not just as the individual.
The theme is partnered with the Ohio Latino Affairs Summit and its theme of Juntos: Latino Growth is Ohio Growth. Combined, these themes bring awareness to the importance of the Latina/o/e/x community to the Ohio economy and workforce. The strength and unity provided by the Latina/o/e/x community benefits all within and outside of the community.
At Kent State University, we want to honor the celebration of our Latino/Hispanic culture by developing a calendar encompassing all the university events that are relevant to Hispanic Heritage Month. As you all are probably aware, we now use the Hispanic Heritage Month website to promote the list of events occurring at Kent State University. This website allows us to share the most up-to-date information, even if details for events change.
Feature your events on the Hispanic Heritage Month website
If you have not done so already, it is not too late to have your Hispanic Heritage Month event featured on the Hispanic Heritage Month website
1. Submit your events to the University Events Calendar
2. Tag it with Signature Programs and Hispanic Heritage Month to ensure it is featured on the Hispanic Heritage Month website.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!