Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15
History
Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
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 September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, with the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.
Reference: National Hispanic Heritage Month
Events
2024
Precious Knowledge Screening
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Time: 11:15 AM–1:15 PM
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2) Theatre
The Gateway, Spanish II class and I are pleased to invite the campus community to view the classic documentary film as a throwback to our previous screenings: Precious Knowledge. Our class will be viewing the powerful and inspiring documentary as part of their midterm assignment and also to round out the observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15). The Gateway Spanish II class welcomes those who have time in their schedule to view it with us.
Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Lunch
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Time: 12:30 PM–2:00 PM
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), 7th Floor
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration as we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month with our Cafe con Leche Series - Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Lunch! FREE Taco Tuesday is first come, first served, so make sure to arrive early and grab your delicious tacos!
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Latino Leaders Achieving a Valuable Education (LLAVE) Student Club is hosting an exciting raffle! Wear PINK to the event and receive a free raffle ticket! Support the LLAVE club by purchasing more tickets: $2 for one or $5 for three! Drinks will also be available for just $1.
This is the perfect opportunity for everyone to connect, relax, and share stories as we celebrate our culture and community! Let's come together to close out Hispanic Heritage Month with food, fun, and unity.
Breaking Cycles of Trauma
Date: Monday, October 7, 2024
Time: 12:15 PM–1:15 PM
Location: Zoom
Learn from Adriana Alejandra how to identify generational traumas, how to recognize cycles to break, and ways to sooth the nervous system through long-term mental health care.
All are welcome! For the Zoom link, please register for this event.
Student's Mental Health: A Talk on Anxiety & Coping
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Time: 12:15 PM–1:15 PM
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), Auitorium
Join speaker Adriana Alejandre to explore school-life balance strategies with a focus on learning to identify anxiety 'red flags', cultural misconceptions related to anxiety, and how anxiety shows up in our bodies.
All are welcome! For more information register for this event.
A pizza lunch will be served!
Combatting Imposter Syndrome and Burnout
Date: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 12:15 PM–1:15 PM
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), Auditorium
Join speaker Adriana Alejandre to learn about cultural values within the Latinx community, myths, and common (yet harmful!) sayings that contribute to the stigma of mental health.
All are welcome! For more information register for this event.
Building Mental Health Awareness in the Latinx Community
Date: Monday, September 23, 2024
Time: 12:15 PM–1:15 PM
Location: Zoom
Join the discussion with Adriana Alejandre, founder of Latinx Therapy, and learn about ways to contribute to distigmatizig mental health, and bringing awareness within ourselves about how stigma impacts us as we move through our every day lives.
Western Mass Puerto Rican Day Parade
Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
Location: 博彩网站, Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons (B19), Forum
博彩网站's Puerto Rican Parade Committee is pleased to announce plans to participate in the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade.
A shuttle will be available to transport participants from the Student Learning Commons (B19) to the parade starting line and back to campus at the end of the parade route.
The theme for the 34th annual Springfield Puerto Rican Parade is Magia Boricua, or “Puerto Rican Magic.” Magia Boricua embodies the enchanting blend of traditions, music, and unity that defines Puerto Rican cultural legacy. It showcases Puerto Rican resilience and vibrant spirit, casting a spell of pride and joy as we all come together to celebrate Boricua heritage.
A 博彩网站 tradition, parade day celebrates Puerto Rican culture with amazing energy, music, and love. We are proud to partner with the community and hope for large numbers to represent 博彩网站. Let’s all come together for a day of community building and celebration of Puerto Culture at its best.
If you are interested in participating in the parade, please use the link below to register. Thank you!
Register Here: Springfield Puerto Rican Parade - Google Forms
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any committee member:
- Eunice Guidry, emguidry@517b2b.com
- Christian DeJesus, cdejesus2201@517b2b.com
- Eli Freund, esfreund@517b2b.com
- Kiyota Garcia, klgarcia@517b2b.com
- Maria Fonseca, mlfonseca@517b2b.com
- Meghan Bone, mmbone2401@517b2b.com
- Miguel Maria, mamaria2101@517b2b.com
- Jim Danko, jdanko@517b2b.com
- Miguel Maria, mamaria2101@517b2b.com
Past Years
“The Shell in the Clouds / El Caparazón en las Nubes" Exhibit by Pável Acevedo
Date: September 5 - October 6, 2023
Time: Gallery Hours
Location: Fine Arts Building (B28), Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery
The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery at Springfield Technical Community College proudly launches the fall semester with a Hispanic Heritage Month exhibition entitled, The Shell in the Clouds / El Caparazón en las Nubes, by Oaxacan-born artist Pável Acevedo, on view from September 5 through October 6, 2023.
Breaking Barriers: The Inspirational Journey of Olga E. Custodio in Aviation
Date: Wednesday, October 11
Time: 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), Auditorium
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Olga Custodio, a trailblazing Latina who shattered gender stereotypes and achieved numerous milestones in the aviation industry, will give a presentation titled “Breaking Barriers: The Inspirational Journey of Olga E. Custodio in Aviation.” From becoming the first Latina to complete U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training to her distinguished career as a military pilot and commercial airline captain, Olga's story exemplifies the power of perseverance and determination. Through her pioneering efforts, she has not only realized her own dreams but also become a mentor and advocate, inspiring the next generation, especially women, to pursue their aspirations in aviation and beyond.
Vamos a Bailar: Roshay, Bachata Dance Instructor
Date: Friday, October 13, 2023
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), 7thFloor
Register
Immerse yourself in the rhythmic work of bachata, whether you’re a beginner or seeking to polish your skills. Our instructor, Roshay, will expertly guide you through the steps. Bring your enthusiasm and prepare to elevate your dance moves!
Movies That Matter: “Encanto”
9/26
12:15 p.m.
Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons (B19), Forum
Magdalena Gomez
9/27
12:15 p.m.
Scibelli Hall (B2), 7th floor
This event is co-sponsored by OMA & HAHE
Ms. Gómez is an award-winning performance poet, playwright, performer, teaching artist and highly sought after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. She is the co-founder and artistic director of Teatro V!da, www.teatrovida.com the first Latin@ theater in Springfield, Massachusetts, and founder of the Ferocious Women’s Group bringing to public view voices of women and girls through writing and performance. For ten years, Ms. Gómez performed nationally as a jazz poet with the late baritone saxophonist, Fred Ho. Ms. Gomez is also a New England Public Radio commentator, national speaker and columnist with the Point of View Newspaper. She is the co-editor of Bullying: Replies, Rebuttals, Confessions and Catharsis, the first multicultural, intergenerational and multi- genre anthology on bullying.
Dr. Raul Fernandez
10/5
11:15 a.m.
Building 2 Scibelli Hall Theater
Dr. Raul Fernandez has more than a decade of diverse experience in higher education. He is a well-recognized leader and accomplished speaker on issues of diversity and inclusion, with hundreds of faculty, staff and students at numerous campuses and conferences having attended his workshops. Raul’s signature workshop, Blind Spots, challenges participants to examine their background, beliefs and biases while identifying areas where they can do the work and grow. He’s facilitated versions of Blind Spots for deans, faculty and administrators, high school teachers and tutors, resident assistants, campus activities boards, and orientation leaders. Raul previously taught courses in Speech and Communication at Miami-Dade College, and has taught a section of BU’s First Year Experience course for the last five years. He also co-developed the curriculum and taught a Boston University course on Identity, Inclusion & Social Action. The course helps students to examine systems of oppression and identify opportunities to work toward social justice. In addition to teaching his own section, Raul developed the module on Race, Ethnicity and National Origin, with a focus on the causes and impact of implicit bias
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration & Latin Food Tasting
10/6
Scibelli Hall (B2) Rms 109 & 110
12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
This is a free event and open to all with delicious grab-and-go food and live music from Jose Gonzalez and Banda Criolla.
This event is in collaboration with the 博彩网站 Hispanic Association of Higher Education (HAHE).
We The Women: Shirley Arriaga
10/12
12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons (B19), Forum
Shirley Arriaga, an 博彩网站 graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran, will speak as part of the We the Women series. Arriaga recently won the Democratic nomination for state representative (8th Hampden District). She is a mother and educator at Chicopee High School.
Heart of a Man (Podcast): “Hearts & Minds Pt. II, A Dialogue on Mentorship”
10/13
2:00 p.m.
Virtual (available on Heart of a Man webpage & Libguide)
*This event is co-sponsored by OMA, OVW, and MILE
MILE/LEAD Event: Belonging Workshop w/ Denise Soler Cox
10/19
Denise Soler-Cox: Queen of Belonging + Award-Winning Filmmaker, Top 100 Podcaster + Keynote Speaker Transforming how we think about culture, identity, and what it means to belong.
External Local Events
Film - In the Heights
In a collaboration with Bay Path University, 博彩网站 presented a Latinx-themed film titled “In the Heights” on Sept. 22. The outdoor movie, was held at Bay Path in Longmeadow. Transportation from 博彩网站 to Bay Path and back was provided. This event was part of Hispanic/Latinx History Month at 博彩网站.
María Luisa Arroyo: Identity and Belonging
In celebration of Hispanic/Latinx History Month poet, author, and professor of writing María Luisa Arroyo presented an informal discussion about identity and belonging. Arroyo currently teaches at Bay Path University.
Watch María Luisa Arroyo: Identity and Belonging on YouTube
Con Todo Corazón: Perspectives on Healthy Masculinity
The kick-off of the Heart of a Man Virtual Engaging Men Series entitled, Con Todo Corazón: Perspectives on Healthy Masculinity. This event was held in recognition of both Hispanic Heritage Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month and features 博彩网站's very own Miguel Velez, Gustavo Acosta, José Lopez-Figueroa, Miguel Maria, and James Lightfoot, as well as Luis Santiago from the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, and Hugo Balta, owner and publisher of Latino Network News.
Watch Con Todo Corazón: Perspectives on Healthy Masculinity on YouTube
Carberry Conversations: Jorge Costa
Carberry Conversations is a series of virtual talks connecting working artists and photographers to the Greater Springfield community. Topics include origin stories, the impact of current events on artistic process, and the function of art and photography during times of crisis. In this event, Sondra speaks with artist and 博彩网站 adjunct professor Jorge Costa. Part of Hispanic/Latinx History Month events at 博彩网站.
Watch Carberry Conversations: Jorge Costa on YouTube
We The Women Series: Dr. Estela R. López
Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx History Month, 博彩网站 welcomed Dr. Estela R. López. We the Women discusses women’s careers, accomplishments, and the barriers they face. All in different capacities and from different backgrounds, these women share a passion for creating opportunities for 博彩网站 students.