Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, we 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 Aug. 17, 1988.

The day of Sept. 15 is significant, because it's the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period.

illustration of Carver Hall
Joan Manuel Ales-Miranda

My favorite part about my culture and traditions is how family oriented we are. When I go back home to Cuba, my whole town treats me as though I was their family. It’s an overall different environment to be around and live in.

Joan Manuel Ales-Miranda '20
Business Management and Economics
Caroline Trinidad

My favorite aspect of being Dominican is the cultural diversity of having both African and European influences. I love the ancestry, the language, and the Dominican traditions. In all, I’m very proud of being an Afro-Latina.

Caroline Trinidad '22
Communication Studies
Alexis Pena

BU has exposed me to many different cultural traditions I never knew about. I see myself continuing to celebrate my heritage on campus, because it’s important to show people where I come from and connect with people who have similar traditions.

Alexis Pena '21
Communication Studies
Pedro Frias-Rosario

To me it’s about learning history and the culture of our people, and how it influences other things. My favorite thing is experiencing other subcultures. BU has enabled me to further my cultural connection by offering opportunities like with the Multicultural Center and having student organizations with diverse groups.

Pedro Frias-Rosario '21
Communication Studies
Speech pathology career path takes shape with undergraduate research journey

I’m hoping to research issues of cultural awareness in my field. I also hope to change the low percentage of minorities in college, more specifically in my future career as a speech therapist. The biggest mark I can make is graduating top of my class while being an Afro-Latina, and I promise that’s what I will do.

Serenity Vidot '23
Speech-Language Pathology
Caroline Trinidad
Alexis Pena
Pedro Frias-Rosario
Speech pathology career path takes shape with undergraduate research journey
Joan Manuel Ales-Miranda