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.

Hispanic Heritage Month Events

  • Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off — Thursday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside the Scranton Commons. Celebrate with free food and music. 
  • Samantha Ramirez-Herrera "Borderless Dreams" — Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Kehr Union, Multicultural Center.
  • Latino Identity — Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m., Kehr Union, Multicultural Center. There is a big debate on what word to use regarding people who have roots that trace back to Latin America or Spain. A discussion of the various ways Latinos identify themselves and how each term came about.
  • Mi Casa Su Casa — Tuesday, Oct. 4, Kehr Union, Multicultural Center. Come to Sol's very own Café and listen to students' spoken word while drinking cafecito. All students are welcome to sign up to perform.
  • "Sabado Gigante" Spanish-style TV game show  — Tuesday, Oct. 11, Kehr Union, Multicultural Center.
illustration of Carver Hall

Featured Events

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Roberto Clemente Jr.

Hispanic Heritage Month Speaker: Roberto Clemente Jr.

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  • Carver Hall, K.S. Gross Auditorium

Hispanic Heritage Month Speaker My Father’s Legacy & My Own: An Afternoon with Roberto Clemente Jr. Tuesday, Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Carver Hall Roberto Clemente Jr. is a philanthropist, humanitarian...

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

News

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Maeyelyn Acevedo Santiago

Hispanic Heritage Month: Maeyelyn Acevedo Santiago

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Maeyelyn Acevedo Santiago is a secondary education major with a specialization in Spanish from Hazleton and of Puerto Rican descent. In addition, she’s an honors student and peer mentor who is active...

Luz Mejia

Hispanic Heritage Month: Luz Mejia

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Luz Mejia is a digital forensics and cybersecurity major from Hazelton and of Dominican descent. In addition, she’s an honors student who’s pursuing a minor in criminal justice. Mejia gets involved on...

Donovin Medina

Hispanic Heritage Month: Donovin Medina

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Donovin Medina is an exercise science major from Harrisburg and of Puerto Rican descent. In addition, he's the public relations representative of the Student Organization of Latinos, as well as pursuing a minor in health communication.

Nagley Anderson

Hispanic Heritage Month: Nagley Anderson

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Nagely Anderson is a health sciences: pre-physician assistant major from Scranton and of Dominican descent. In addition, she’s the secretary of the Student Organization of Latinos and vice president of the Students Initiative to Ease Struggle.

Jaylene Fermin

Hispanic Heritage Month: Jaylene Fermin

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Jaylene Fermin is a junior audiology and speech-language pathology major from Cheltenham who is of Dominican descent. In addition to serving as vice president of the Student Organization of Latinos, she is the active secretary of Curl Friends and is pursuing a minor in Spanish.