Every year, September 15th through October 15th is known as Hispanic Heritage Month. For this month long event, we honor the strengths and the contributions that Hispanic and Latin Americans have made throughout the United States, as well as celebrate their various cultures and histories that make them who they are. In this guide, you will find resources located in the Full Sail Library catalog and on the web - including books, films, digital assets, and journals/articles.
National Hispanic Heritage Month first became an official celebration back in 1968, when Congress passed Pub.L.90-498, which back then was only observed for one week in the month of September. The date of the 15th was chosen for symbolic reasons: it is "the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12."
It wasn't until 1988 that National Hispanic Heritage Week became a month long observed celebration. Congress passed Pub.L.100-402, which was an amended version of the previous Public Law of 1968 and established what we know today as National Hispanic Heritage Month. A year later, starting in 1989 under George H.W. Bush's presidency, the sitting president has issued a proclamation designating the month long period beginning September 15 though October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
"National Hispanic Heritage Month 2019." (2019). Hispanic Heritage Month. Retrieved from https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.org/hispanic-heritage-month/70-national-hispanic-heritage-month-2019 and "National Hispanic Heritage Month." (2019). Law Library, Library of Congress. Retrieved from http://www.loc.gov/law/help/commemorative-observations/hispanic-heritage.php.
The theme announced for Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month 2024 is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together." The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) states that the theme of this year's celebration "encapsulates the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic experience."
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