National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off at AU

By Kayla Portillo | Staff writer

National Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual month-long celebration in the United States that recognizes and commemorates the history and culture of Latinx and Hispanic communities. 

Each year starting on Sept. 15, America celebrates the contributions of Hispanic Americans with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

According to professor Pedro Hoyos-Salcedo, a native from Cali, Colombia, students of all backgrounds should learn and understand the importance of National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration that honors the culture of Hispanic Americans,” he said. “It is important that, as a university, we educate ourselves on the cultures within our community and how they have contributed to America we know today.” 

Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law in 1988. Initially, President Lyndon B. Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week, but President Ronald Reagan expanded the commemoration to an entire month beginning Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Sept. 15 was chosen as the start of the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence in five countries in Latin America including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their Independence Day on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize the achievements of Hispanic and Latinx Americans and pay tribute to the generations of the community that have enriched and positively influenced the nation. 

“I’m honored to be a part of the Hispanic American Community,” said Hoyos. “National Hispanic month allows students to feel connected to their culture and each other.”

This is the first in a three part series.

Contact Kayla Portillo at kportillo@augusta.edu