A Look Back at Hispanic Heritage Month
As we bid farewell to Hispanic Heritage Month, we can't help but look back at the rich tapestry of culture, history, and contributions that have been celebrated over the past 30 days. From September 15 to October 15, we had the privilege of honoring the diverse and vibrant Hispanic and Latino communities that have left an indelible mark on our society.
Here's a look back at some of the highlights during this special month:
Community Spotlight: Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, communities highlighted remarkable individuals within the Hispanic community who have made significant contributions to various fields. From artists, educators, to activists, their stories served as an inspiration to us all.
A highlighted figure, Fernando Botero, passed on the first day of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month. Fernando Botero was a Colombian figurative artist and sculptor, and his signature style was known as “Boterismo,” which depicted people and figures in large, exaggerated volume. His art was seen throughout museums and educational spaces.
Educational Initiatives: In efforts to raise awareness and promote understanding, institutions hosted educational events, including lectures, panel discussions, and workshops, to shed light on the history, challenges, and opportunities faced by the Hispanic community. We hope that these conversations have deepened your collective knowledge and hope you will share some of what you have learned in this post.
Art and Expression: The community celebrated the artistic expressions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. College Board’s affinity group, Staff Alliance for Latinx Success and Achievement (SALSA), hosted a session titled “Cultivating High School Hispanic Artist Through AP Art and Design.” This panel of educators and a former AP art student have contributed to creating spaces for Latino students and Latino art.
Community Resources: We hope you will be able to learn more and engage in our advocacy community but also consider other organizations supporting and providing resources focused on the Hispanic community. Some of these organizations include:
Hispanic Association of College and Universities (HACU)
Culminating the Celebration: Finally, as we wrapped up this month of celebration, we hope you each were able to experience a heartwarming experience of unity and diversity celebrating the Hispanic and Latino community.
As we move beyond Hispanic Heritage Month, let's remember that the celebration, understanding, and support for these vibrant communities should not be confined to just one month. Let's carry the lessons and appreciation we've gained during this month throughout the year. We hope you will join us at the Prepárate™: Educating Latinos for the Future of America conference on April 24–26, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
We look forward to your continued engagement and support as we celebrate the diversity that enriches our lives and look forward to seeing your post on what you learned during this month of celebration.