Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
Dear Global Campus Cougs,
I invite you to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the profound histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. From September 15th to October 15th, we take this opportunity to highlight the immense impact these vibrant communities have had on shaping the history and culture of the United States.
Hispanic Heritage Month is also a reminder of the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our shared commitment to fostering a supportive, vibrant, and welcoming campus environment. Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to take part in the various events, programs, and activities that will be offered on campus, online, or in your hometown to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from one another, to appreciate the diverse experiences that shape our community, and to reaffirm our commitment to a culture of belonging.
Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded to a month-long observance by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The month starts on September 15th, a significant date marking the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th.
Ways to Celebrate and Participate this Hispanic Heritage Month
- Latinx/e and Hispanic Research and Cultural Production at WSU
- Hispanic Heritage Month provides a time to celebrate and honor the research contributions of the Latinx community. Join the Office of Research along with a panel of faculty in an open discussion on the research happening at WSU.
- September 26 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm PDT
- MEXAM NW Festival 2024: A celebration of contemporary Hispanic and Mexican-American culture
- September 7 to October 19 across multiple venues in Seattle
- Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Millersylvania State Park
- Enjoy Latinx music, dance, food, state agency outreach, and guided nature walks
- September 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Explore the cultural diversity of the Hispanic and Latino/e/x communities in Washington
- Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs
- The National Museum of the American Latino Library Exhibits
- Visit this online library to explore exhibits featuring Hispanic authors, artists, and historical figures.
At WSU Global, we are proud of our diverse community and the unique perspectives and lived experiences that each member brings! We would like to extend our gratitude to all faculty, staff, and students who contribute to this effort, and we look forward to celebrating this important month with all of you. Thank you for your continued dedication to making WSU Global a place where all cultures and communities are valued and respected.
-Daniel Thurman, WSU Global Campus Director of Diversity and Employee Development