Beginning Sept. 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and history of Hispanic and Latinx Americans in the United States. But many wonder—why does the annual celebration kick off in the middle of the month?
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations date back to 1968 when Hispanic Heritage Week launched under President Lyndon B. Johnson. The celebration soon evolved into a monthlong ceremony under President Ronald Reagan by 1988. The annual observance begins on Sept. 15 to honor the date on which five countries celebrate their independence: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
At the University of Miami, many programs are set to mark Hispanic Heritage Month this year. Josvianny Rosa Alvarado, a junior studying finance and marketing from the Dominican Republic, is the president of the Alliance of Latin American Students (ALAS) and the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee. She works alongside her peers and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs to highlight, honor, and celebrate Latinx roots in the community year-round. ALAS is among the many student organizations and departments that have organized events for the celebration.
“I tell everyone that Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for everyone, not just Latinos, to come to celebrate the influences of Latin America, not just in Miami but across the country,” she said.
The following is a list of events that the sponsors hope will encourage learning, dialogue, and celebrating among all members of the University community.
Opening Event, Movie Screening of “In the Heights”
Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Rock Plaza—Lakeside Village Auditorium
Join Multicultural Student Affairs, ALAS, and the Federacion de Estudiantes Cubanos (FEC) in a kick-off event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Snow cones will be given away at the Rock Plaza beginning at 2 p.m., followed by a movie screening in collaboration with the Cinematic Arts Commission of “In the Heights” at 7 p.m. in the Lakeside Village Auditorium.
For more information, follow ALAS on Instagram.
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Virtual Dominoes Night
Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m.
Zoom Meeting—ID: 919 0452 3754
The Latino Medical Student Association and Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement will be hosting a series of virtual Hispanic Heritage Month programs, kicking off with a virtual domino night.
Read the complete listing of events.
Bachata Dancing Workshop
Friday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m.
Herbert Wellness Center
Put on your dancing shoes. ALAS and the UFuerza Dance Team will host a Bachata workshop at the Herbert Wellness Center. All levels of experience are welcome. Masks are required.
Get the complete ALAS listing of events.
Cuisines from Around the World
Monday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.
Zoom Meeting—ID: 919 0452 3754
Learn about the various Hispanic cuisines from across the globe in this virtual discussion, hosted by the Latino Medical Student Association and Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement.
Spanish Slang-Off
Monday, Sept. 27, at 6:30 p.m.
Storm Surge Room in the Student Center Complex
See which Latin-lingo comes out on top in this game show style event!
Latinx Physician Panel
Tuesday, Sept. 28, at noon
Zoom Meeting—ID: 919 0452 3754
The Latino Medical Student Association and Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement will host a virtual panel discussion celebrating six Latinx pioneers in medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The discussion will center on their careers and the influence of their culture on their careers.
Teaching Kitchen
Tuesday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Hecht-Stanford Dining Hall
The FEC and chefs from UM Dining will teach students how to make traditional Cuban dishes from scratch!
To get updates, follow FEC on Instagram.
Taste of Cuba
Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m.
Hecht-Stanford and Mahoney-Pearson Dining Halls
The FEC and UM Dining will showcase various traditional Cuban dishes in the dining halls, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives.
For updated information, follow FEC on Instagram.
Gameday Orgullo
Saturday, Sept. 30, at TBD
Hard Rock Stadium
Join ALAS and Category 5 for a Latin-themed student fan zone and giveaways before Miami takes on the University of Virginia in football.
To get updates, follow ALAS on Instagram.
MSA Brave Spaces: Stories from Cuba with FEC
Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.
Zoom
MSA’s Brave Spaces is a dialogue series that provides an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff members to engage in small group discussion on issues that impact students and the multicultural community. This installment of MSA’s signature program partners with the Federacion de Estudiantes Cubanos. The event will focus on the recent turmoil in Cuba and provide a space for members of the community to share their experiences as Cubans and Cuban-Americans.
Visit the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for more information.
Trivia Night: How Much Do You Know?
Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.
Zoom Meeting—ID: 919 0452 3754
Put your Latinx history to the test! Join the Latino Medical Student Association and Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement for a virtual trivia night.
