Center for Social Change:

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the rich cultures and recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans. September 15 is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively.

Originally, President Lyndon Johnson observed Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Twenty years later, the celebration became a month, September 15 – October 15, under President Ronald Reagan.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH RESOURCES

WATCH

• Watch our webinar Hispanic Entrepreneurship: Ways to Overcome Barriers & Improve Communities to see a distinguished panel of alumni and faculty share insights on the importance of entrepreneurship in the Hispanic community.

LISTEN

• Listen to a podcast such as Latino USA or The Latin American History Podcast to hear stories and learn more about the culture, history, and traditions of Hispanic Americans.

READ

• Celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Walden community members, past and present.
• Read Our Journeys Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement  from the Smithsonian Latino Museum.

RESEARCH

• Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Review additional stories and resources about Hispanic Heritage Month from the National Archives.

REFLECT

• Reflect on the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Theme: “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.”
• Reflect on the history and contribution of Hispanic Americans with this guide from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

ACT

• Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino – virtually – to view 8 different online exhibits.
• Download and use our custom virtual background throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Choose one of the activities or ideas on this list of 18 Hispanic Heritage Month Activities to celebrate all month long at home or with your team.
• Donate to a non-profit such as the Hispanic Scholarship Fund or the Safe Passage Project.