Anthony Motroni
Tuesday marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. Although it appears to be random date to start a historical month, there are many reasons that explain this peculiarity.
In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson started a tradition to commemorate the important influences of Hispanic cultures to the United States. Later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the tribute to an entire month. Since this time, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 has been designated as the official month to celebrate Hispanic heritage.
The date is special to many Hispanics because it is the anniversary of the independence for countries including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, the independence of Mexico and Chile were on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively. Also, Oct. 12 is the Day of the Races in South America, which in the U.S. is known as Christopher Columbus day. For these reasons, it is clear why the presidents chose these dates for Hispanic Heritage month.
“One of the most distinct characteristics of the United States is the mix of cultures and the month of Hispanic heritage is a reflection of this,” said Alejandra Rodriguez, a senior studying communication who is from Mexico City.
As a result, the month of Hispanic Heritage is a time for the country to appreciate Hispanic heritage and how it contributes to the rich mixtures of cultures that defines the U.S.
“Surely in California, New York and Miami there is a strong influence [of Hispanics],” Rodriguez said. “But I never expected to see an influence this large in Raleigh when I came three years ago, and I believe that it is growing.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11.4 percent of Raleigh’s population identifies as a Hispanic. That being said, the Hispanic Heritage Month has a strong connection to the local community of Raleigh.
Accompanying the rest of the country, the Raleigh community has its own events in recognizing the contributions of Hispanics. Diana Bell-Kite, associate curator of textiles and coordinator of Hispanic Outreach for the North Carolina History Museum sees the importance of preserving and sharing Hispanic history.
“The mission for the museum is to tell history,” Bell-Kite said. “And the Hispanic population is an important part of that in North Carolina.”
True to its goal, the museum has a series of programs throughout the year with themes about Hispanic cultures, and it is only appropriate for these events to start on Tuesday. The first event is a showing of the documentary, “Latino Americans: Prejudice and Pride,” which will be held at Hunt Library on the discrimination and poverty Mexican-Americans face.
This event is one of the many opportunities to participate in during Hispanic Heritage Month. One can celebrate in the manner of eating Hispanic food, learning a new word in Spanish or participating in local events; what is important is to be involved and to celebrate Hispanic heritage.