Hispanic heritage month
Hispanic heritage month
Maya Dickerson - News and Opinion Editor
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic culture and history in the United States. The month runs from September 15 to October 15 and honors American citizens with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Hispanic Heritage Month aims to recognize the achievements and experiences of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
“It was originally a week, but then Ronald Regan was the first president to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Brady Arrenius, RaÍces President. “It was used to promote the rich traditions and culture and the many contributions Hispanophone Americans have had towards the state of America now.”
The campus organization, RaÍces educates and promotes Hispanic culture. The club creates a safe environment for Spanish speakers and those who want to learn more about Hispanic culture. Hispanic Heritage Month is an important time for RaÍces. Members of the club chalked the sidewalk outside of the Huff Athletic Center to promote awareness. The newly elected executive board has activities planned throughout the month.
“We are planning a trivia night on the 17th. There will be prizes, food, and opportunities to expand your knowledge about Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Arrenius. “Hopefully people will get a new appreciation for Hispanic Americans.”
Along with gaining an appreciation for the culture and achievements, Arrenius believes education is an important aspect of the month.
“The month is important because schools don’t really teach you a lot of Hispanic and Latino achievements. It is super crucial to know that Latin Americans and Hispanophone people, in general, helped the United States get to where they are today,” said Arrenius. “I do not think a lot of schools teach that.”