Latino Heritage Month: Why we Celebrate. Read to Discover.

Latino Heritage Month is an official celebration to recognize the contributions of the many cultures, and the extensive history, of Latin communities in the United States. Throughout this month history and culture are celebrated and learned. 

The celebration started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was later expanded to cover a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The celebration would start on September 15th and end on October 15th. 

This recognition was enacted into law on August 17th, 1988. It is highly significant that it starts on September 15th because it’s the independence day for several Latin countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. 

Latin countries: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Perú, Venezuela, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Cuba, Haití, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Paraguay, Nicaragua, El salvador, Costa Rica, Panamá, Puerto Rico (US), Uruguay, Guadeloupe (French), Martinique (French), French Guiana (French), Saint Martin (French), Saint Barthelemy (French). 

                  - Latino Student Union 

In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, Dr. Roberta Hurtado and members of the Latino Student Union have curated an interesting collection of relevant books owned by Penfield Library, as well as an accompanying online research guide. Check out the collection now on display on the first floor of the library, and the research guide at https://libraryguides.oswego.edu/latinx.

You can also find information on the Library of Congress National Hispanic American Heritage Month website.