Sept.15 through Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Sept.15 is a significant day as it marks the date of independence for many Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 through the work of George E. Brown, a congressman from California.
Originally, it was celebrated as Hispanic Heritage Week, but it later transformed into a month of celebration in 1988 under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan. Since then, this month-long tradition has become more widely recognized and people gather around the nation to honor Hispanic culture and its contribution to the United States and broader American history. Hardin-Simmons University is offering many opportunities across campus to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Andrea Ashburn, junior exercise science pre-physical therapy major from McAllen, believes this month is a wonderful time to celebrate diversity and embrace Hispanic cultures on campus. The Hardin-Simmons “Sangre” club has organized events this month to celebrate Hispanic culture, such as giving out free Paletas and hosting, “Sing with Sangre.” The fun does not stop there, though.
Throughout the rest of the month, Sangre has a few more events going on to continue to celebrate diversity and Hispanic culture. On Sept. 27, there will be a Hispanic Chapel from 9:30-10:15 a.m.. On Sept. 28, students may attend Zumba with Res Life located in the Fitness Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m.. Moving into October, Loteria on Moody Roof will be taking place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 and Oct. 11 will feature a Fiesta on Anderson Lawn from 6-7:30 p.m..
“Our club is welcoming to everyone who is Hispanic or just wants to learn more about Hispanic culture.” Every year they have a theme, and the theme this year is “Unidos,” which emphasizes that we are “all together,” Ashburn said. This month is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about other cultures and what it looks like to push differences aside and celebrate history with others.