Staff Editorial: Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month at Geneseo
While July typically gets labeled as the most patriotic time of celebration for those in the United States, Sept. 15 marks the start of a celebration for roughly 20% of this country’s population—the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Beginning on Sept. 15 of each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month marks the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries, such as El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua; and, in the following days, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. As the start to celebrating independence for so many individual countries, National Hispanic Heritage Month has become a response to this week of patriotic festivity that serves to honor, recognize, and appreciate the culture and identity of Americans connected to the ancestry and history of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
National Hispanic Heritage Month originated as National Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Twenty years later, the week was expanded to its now month-long observation status by President Ronald Reagan. Today, it is celebrated individually and communally through events occurring on local and national levels—art shows, festivals, and conferences happen annually each fall to bring together and appreciate Hispanic culture, identity, and heritage.
Each year, the White House selects a theme to present as the focus for the annual recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month; this year, that theme is “Building Prosperous and Healthy Communities.” For celebration, the White House posted a series of events meant to demonstrate “how the Administration has been supporting the Latino community.” While there are some opportunities and awards for Hispanic-Americans featured on this calendar, the main headliners (weeks of “Jobs and the Economy” and “Climate”) seem more focused on improving the White House’s reputation with Hispanic empowerment than providing resources or genuine celebration.
Before COVID-19, 19% of Latinos did not have any healthcare, compared to 6% of white people. Since the pandemic, this gap has only been exaggerated. As of 2019, the average Latino family had $153,000 less than the average white family. Currently, 35% of LGBTQ+ Latino students are at risk of missing classes due to fear and concern for their safety.
Hispanic Heritage Month, just like any celebration, should be devoted to joy and appreciation for the accomplishments of Hispanic people and the importance of Hispanic culture; however, the racism, inequality, and lack of resources impacting Hispanic people each day dims the party lights, especially when the White House frames the celebration as a celebration for what the White House has accomplished in regards to “supporting” Hispanic people and communities.
While Hispanic Heritage Month is perhaps not being handled fairly by the White House, it is important to look towards areas where celebration, appreciation, and support can be accomplished more fruitfully.
This month at Geneseo, there are a variety of performances, activities, and dialogues, all presented by the Geneseo Spanish Department and the Latinx Student Association, available to engage more holistically with Hispanic Heritage Month. On Monday, Oct. 3, keynote speaker Lotfi Sayahi, a Professor of Spanish Linguistics and Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Chair at SUNY Albany will deliver a speech on “Variation in Dominican Spanish in NY” at 2:30 p.m. in Doty 300. Additionally, there will be an open mic poetry reading, moderated by Geneseo Associate Professor of Spanish Lori Bernard, on Thursday, Oct. 13, in Bailey 101 at 6 p.m. For more information about events, follow the Geneseo Latinx Student Association on Instagram @lsa_geneseo, or attend their weekly meetings Thursdays at 6 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge.
In addition to LSA’s events, the Caribbean Student Association will be hosting a S’mores Night with the Black Student Union and African Student Association on Friday, Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. in the Union Plaza (check it out on their Instagram, @csageneseo). The Geneseo Spanish Club, additionally, meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Welles 111 (follow them on Instagram @geneseo_spanishclub).
Keep an eye out for Geneseo Weekly for more upcoming events. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Geneseo!