In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared National Hispanic Heritage Week, and 20 years later, the celebratory week was expanded to a month by President Ronald Regan. Now, from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the U.S. carries the tradition and continues to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the values of Hispanic and Latino individuals and families. The Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion celebrates the scientists, writers, physicians, musicians, filmmakers, chefs, nurses, artists, and so many other professions and contributions by the Hispanic and Latino communities.
Did you know?
According to PBS, the U.S. Hispanic population was an estimated 62 million in 2020 out of the total U.S. population of 331 million. For people with family, heritage, or roots in the 22 nations included in Latin America, their identities may encompass Hispanic, Chicano, Latino, Afro-Latino, Boricua, Islenos, Taino, and/or Tejano.
Five ways to celebrate
To celebrate the distinct contributions of Hispanic and Latinx heritage and culture, the Office for Diversity and Inclusion has put together a list of five ways to celebrate.
1. Read a book by Hispanic or Latinx author(s).
Good Morning America recommends five fiction books to read or check out this list of must-read books in the speculative fiction genre.
2. Celebrate at a gathering.
The Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion is excited to host a National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Friday, Oct. 6 at University Tacos (at the former Miami Fusion location) in partnership with the Hispanic and Latin American Faculty Association and the Latino Medical Student Association.
All Heersink faculty, staff, students, and trainees are invited. Come with a friend and enjoy food, drinks, and a live DJ while networking and hanging out.
Celebration is an important way to honor our own cultures and others' cultures. Please RSVP.
3. Watch a movie.
Want to stay in? Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from home.
Netflix has assembled a wide-ranging collection of films and series featuring Hispanic and Latino stories and storytellers.
Peruse this list of PBS documentaries, films, and awards to learn more about Hispanic and Latino culture.
4. Take a virtual tour.
Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino offers several virtual exhibitions and educational resources.
“iPresente! A Latino History of the United States” discusses the legacy of U.S. Latinas and Latinos in America—highlighting how their history is American history. It tells stories of immigration and identity.
Another virtual tour, "Thriving in Diversity: Latinas and Latinos with Disabilities," promotes and includes many voices and experiences while sharing unique facts. Did you know that one in six Latinos have a disability? Watch and read to learn more.
5. Cook a meal.
A fun, hands-on way to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month is exploring authentic flavors and dishes.
The TODAY Show has curated a list of 25 of their favorite dishes, from appetizers and snacks to entrees and desserts.