By Chelsea Castillo
Contributing Writer
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct.15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, according to the website http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov.
During the month, the United States honors the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans throughout the history of America. NorthWest Arkansas Community College celebrated by hosting campus events for students, faculty and staff to attend. The college hosted multiple activities such as Latin dance lessons, a bike ride in the NWACC neighborhood, “Ride with Arkansas Latinas en Bici!” and other activities.
Some people on campus were not aware of the events that were hosted in the past month. Alexandra Sandoval, a sophomore at NWACC, said, “I’m Hispanic and didn’t even know that NWACC has these many events for Hispanic Heritage Month.”
Myriam Hernandez, another sophomore, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month every year with her family. “Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because I’m Mexican and my family takes pride in our culture and where we are from,” Hernandez said.
Students noted that events on campus are inclusive and there are different things for anyone to enjoy. One particular event caught Hernandez’s attention. “I’m a movie person, and there’s a
short film being shown from the Latin X theatre project which I find really interesting,” Hernandez said. The Theatre group hosted the movie “Remedios Vol. II,” which centers on themes such as healing and growth through poetry.
Juanita Franklin, director of Hispanic initiatives and the LIFE Program at NWACC, said that she was happy to be a part of the Hispanic Heritage & Excellence planning committee.
“It is so important that colleges and universities make this kind of programming possible,” Franklin said “With such a diverse cultural presence we have here in NWA, we are better when we get to know about our own as well as other cultures.”
The month’s calendar of activities also included a scheduled book discussion at Más Libritos Book Club on Oct. 10. The discussion at the Springdale business featured the book, “For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color” by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez. Franklin said she was glad that the book discussion, hosted by the Más Libritos Book Club and co-hosted by the LIFE Program, took place. The local Latina-owned bookstore, Más Libritos shares a space with Latina-owned business, Bites and Bowls, in Springdale where the book discussion occurred. Franklin said the LIFE mentors did a great job in guiding the discussion and sharing their own personal experiences as Hispanics. “It was a thought-provoking and enlightening discussion,” Franklin said.
She added that it’s important that colleges and universities make this kind of programming possible. “With such a diverse cultural presence we have here in NWA, we are better when we
get to know about our own as well as other cultures,” she said. “It’s through learning about each other that we realize that we have so much more in common than we think. Programming like this also encourages community involvement and sets an example for other schools and local organizations to celebrate diversity,” Franklin said. All of these events were free and are part of the school’s Arts & Culture+ events series. With the Art & Culture+ series, the school organizers hope to have diverse programming to help advance the vibrant and creative economy of Northwest Arkansas.
Delaney Reaves contributed to this report.
About National Hispanic Heritage Month
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept.18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period.
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