Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month 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 September 15 and ending on October 15.
The starting day of September 15 is significant because it is 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 September 16 and September 18, respectively.
The NVC events scheduled for the month include:
Sept. 27 in MZH Innovation Center at 11 am – David Zamora Casas – an artist and curator who has engaged audiences in politically motivated performances under the name Nuclear Meltdown since 1985.
Oct. 4 in MZH Innovation Center at 11 am – Bonnie Cisneros: On the Record – Texan artist, educator, and mother of two, Bonnie Cisneros, will present her DJ “despeinada” origin story.
Oct. 7 at Westside Education & Training Center at 9 am – Crossroads to Success – Join the community celebration hearing community history and stories, art and literature and programs and workshops.
Oct. 11 in MZH Innovation Center at 11 am – Anel I. Flores is a trans-, queer Latina/x writer, artist, activist, entrepreneur, and coach; whose extensive body of work captures the essence of LGBTQIA+ experiences across professional and community spaces.
All the events, except for the Oct. 7, are supported by the NVC Student Activity Fee. To learn more about the events, go here.
