Latino/a/x Hispanic Heritage Month

Dear Campus Community:

Every year from September 15 through October 15, people in the United States celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. At Gallaudet, our celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latino/a/x Hispanic Americans during this period is uniquely enhanced by the infusion of Deafcentric perspectives.

The observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month first began under President Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1968, when it was known as Hispanic Heritage Week. The week was expanded by President Ronald W. Reagan in 1988 to cover the current 30-day period.

September 15 is a significant day for Latino/a/x/Hispanic populations because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Turn-a-Page-Together (TAPT)

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Gallaudet has planned several activities and events. In addition, many events and activities are scheduled in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. I strongly encourage members of our community to attend these events. A few highlights:

Turn-a-Page-Together (TAPT) is a cornerstone program of Cross-Campus Multicultural and International Student Programs. TAPT will be held on Tuesday, September 22 to Tuesday, November 17, from noon to 1:00 p.m. ET via Zoom.

The TAPT program is a multicultural book club offered each semester, and it is open to students, faculty, and staff. It is also an opportunity for participants to share their diverse views and to experience thought-provoking discussions. This program will provide three different books on diversity. The book relevant to National Hispanic Heritage Month is An African American and Latinx History of the United States by Paul Ortiz.

Participants will receive a free book. Advance registration is required by September 17. Please fill out the registration form to reserve your spot.

Presentation

“Celebrating Latinos/as/x Hispanic in the United States: a discussion about the historical presence, lasting influence, and demographic trends of Latinos/as/x Hispanic in the country” by Norma Morán on Friday, October 2, from noon to 1 p.m. ET via Zoom webinar.

Panel Discussion

“What is the difference between Chicano, Latino, Latina, Latinx, and Hispanic?” on Thursday, October 15, from noon to 1:30 p.m. ET via Zoom webinar. Panelists will discuss intersectional identities and labels.

The Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is collaborating with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to host dialogues with Latino/a/x/Hispanic faculty and staff. More information will be shared with the community soon.

Latinx Student Organization

The Latinx Student Union (LSU) is also hosting events for Hispanic Heritage Month. Check them out:

https://www.facebook.com/gallylsu/photos/a.1739682396107071/4296992043709414/

We encourage you to participate in as many of these programs as you can to increase your knowledge and enrich your worldview. Please join me in extending warmest wishes to the community for a successful celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore
Interim Chief Diversity Officer

Dr. Jeffrey W. Lewis
Interim Provost

Travis Imel
Dean of Student Affairs