National Hispanic Heritage Month is a national recognition of the culture, contributions and heritage of Hispanic Americans. The national observance was first established by Public Law 90-498, Approved September 17, 1968, by the 90th Congress. Public Law 90-468 authorized the President to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week each year. On August 17, 1988, the 100th Congress enacted Public Law 100-402, which extended the observance from a week to a month. The annual observance is now a 31-day period from September 15 through October 15.

The September-October period covers a wide range of Independence Days for Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on September 15th. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th, Chile on September 18th and Belize on September 21st. El Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) is observed on October 12th.

The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. In 1997, the term Latino was officially adopted by the United States, replacing Hispanic as the official term. On the 2000 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino."

Planning for Latino Heritage Month begins at the end of the academic year for the upcoming year. Contact Benjamin Harris at bharri7@luc.edu for information about how to get involved.

Latino Heritage Month Events 2010   
“Never Stop Fighting for Justice”

Wednesday, September 15
Latino Heritage Month Kickoff
11:30-2:00pm, Student Union Lobby (LSC)
Join us for this year’s Latino Heritage Month Kickoff. This day is also celebrating the Bicentennial of Mexico’s independence and the independence of many other Latin nations. Come out and enjoy food and live music from one of Chicago’s favorite Mariachi groups, Mariachi Sol de Oro.

Monday, September 20

A Class Apart Documentary Screen Filming
7:00pm, Zips Lounge, Lower Level, Centennial Forum Student Union (LSC)

Built around the landmark of the 1954 legal case Hernandez v. Texas, the film interweaves the stories of its central characters with a broader story of the civil rights movement.  It also brings to life the heroic post-World War II struggle of Mexican Americans fighting to dismantle the discrimination targeting them.

Thursday, September 23

Latin Poetry Jam w/ Flaco Navaja

7:00-9:30pm Zips Lounge, Lower Level, Centennial Forum Student Union (LSC)

Navaja’s original style of poetry combines singing, beat-boxing, and spoken word. He was the host of the legendary open mic showcase: “All That! Hip Hop Poetry & Jazz” at the famous Nuyorican Poets' Cafe. In 2003, he toured internationally with the Tony Award winning Russell Simmons' DEF POETRY JAM and he has appeared on four episodes of the HBO series. He is a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect and a comedian with the Nuyorican Rule troupe. The performance stage will also be open to students, faculty, and staff. For more info, contact Benjamin Harris at bharri7@luc.edu or 773-508-3929.

Tuesday, September 28

Unmasking the Mestizo: Exploring Latino/a Identity w/ Jorge Zeballos

12:00:1:30pm, Lunch & Discussion, Terry Student Center 303/304 (WTC)

4:30pm -6:30pm, Life Science Building Auditorium 142 (LSC)

Through the use of historical and contemporary quotes, documents and images, Mr. Zeballos will explore the forces that have shaped race and racial identity in Latin America. This exploration will help participants gain a clear understanding of the dominant racial paradigm in the Latino/a community and will engage them in a constructive dialogue on how they can undo the effects of racism in this community.

Tuesday, October 5

The Demarest Factor: US Military Mapping in Oaxaca Mexico

Documentary film screening w/ Simon Sedillo

6:00pm-8:00pm, Life Science Building Auditorium 142 (LSC)

This film and discussion explore a recent investigation into US military mapping of communally owned indigenous land in Oaxaca, Mexico. The film touches on the parallels between US political and economic interests within the North American Free Trade Agreement, and a US military strategy to secure those very interests.

Wednesday, October 6

Undocumented Immigrants in Higher Education w/ Dr. Alejandra Rincón

4:30pm -6:30pm, Life Science Building Auditorium 142 (LSC)

Dr. Alejandra Rincón Ph.D is a long-time advocate of the rights of undocumented students to have equal access to a college education. In 2009, her advocacy on their behalf was recognized in a feature article in People en español, one of the most widely distributed Spanish language magazines in the world. Dr. Rincón, is the author of a book entitled Undocumented Immigrants and Higher Education: ¡Sí se puede! This book chronicles the historic struggle of undocumented students and their supporters to gain equal access to higher education through in-state tuition laws. Undocumented students seek equality under the law while affirming their humanity and thus their rights as human beings. As immigrants confront increasing attacks by vigilante forces and draconian governmental legislation, they are also saying: ¡Sí se puede!

Thursday, October 14

The Jewish Voice in Latin Cinema

6:00pm, Mundelein Center, Room 709 (LSC)
Join us for a screening of the film, Like a Bride, which follows the lives and loves of several single Jewish women in Argentina. The film will be in Spanish with English subtitles. A kosher Latin dinner will be served.

Tuesday, October 19

Remembering Our Ancestors/Day of the Dead Altar

5:00pm-7:00pm, Ministry Office (Rambler Room) (LSC)

Join us for the unveiling of the altar and treats. Day of the Dead/Dia de Los Muertos altars are an ancient tradition meant to honor the memory of someone who touched our lives.  Feel free to bring a picture or object representing a loved one to place on the altar (no originals please!).

Saturday, October 23

Annual Latin Ball

8:00pm-12:00am, Kasbeer Hall, 25 E. Pearson (WTC)

Join us in downtown Chicago at Loyola’s Water Tower Campus for an elegant night of dancing. The evening celebration is a Loyola tradition and an opportunity for Loyola students to enjoy wonderful food and live Latin music. This is a semi-formal event.

Latino Heritage Month 2010 is brought to you by: The Department of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, Latin American Student Organization, Student Activity Fund, Hillel, Ministry Department, LU Latino Alumni Board, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, Sigma Lambda Gamma, Alpha Psi Lambda, Gamma Phi Omega, Lambda Theta Alpha, Omega Delta Phi, and Latin American Studies.

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