Hispanic Heritage Celebration Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is celebrated annually from September 15-October 15 to acknowledge the history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced to over 20 countries in Latin American, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. In the United States, there are approximately 60 million people who have ancestries connected to these countries who reside in the United States, representing approximately 18% of the U.S. population. Many labels are used for this group, with the most common umbrella terms being “Hispanic” and “Latina/e/o/x.” Hispanic Americans have been influential in every part of this nation's history, from arts to politics to business and innovation to the military.

Since 1968, HHM has been recognized by the federal government and celebrated across the United States. The start of the month, September 15th, is significant, as several Latin American countries celebrate their independence from Spain on this day, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence during the month on September 16th and 18th respectively.

A University-wide committee, chaired by Dr. Gina Garcia and the Latino Student Association (LSA) and co-hosted by the Hispanic Latinx Professional Association (HLPA), Latin American Graduate Organization of Students, Center for Latin American Studies, Student Affairs, Hillman Library, School of Education, Graduate School of Public Health, Carnegie Mellon University, and other affiliates, have come together to develop a comprehensive month of HHM 2020 activities that fall within LSA’s four core principles, including cultural, educational, social, and advocacy. The committee includes representatives from across the campus, as well as those from local organizations and other colleges and universities in Pittsburgh, who are striving to create a  collaborative calendar of events intended to create awareness of Hispanics/Latinas/os/xs in Pittsburgh and the broader U.S. context.

See the first official HHM YouTube video that was created by Student Affairs! 

Check out the HHM Libguide developed by ULS faculty, which highlights resources and initiatives related to Hispanic Heritage Month.

Read the Proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month by Mayor Peduto.

If you have questions, ideas, or want to get more involved with HHM, please email pittlatinosa@gmail.com. 

Artifact Showcase

We invite all members of the Pitt & CMU community and Pittsburgh community at-large to submit artifacts relevant to aspects of their Hispanic/Latina/o/e/x racial, ethnic, and cultural identity as a part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Artifact Showcase.

Check out the Artifact Showcase Gallery.  New submissions will be added through Hispanic Heritage Month.

Calendar of Events