Welcome to the home of the Region IV Hispanic Heritage Conversation Series. Below you can find some information about Hispanic Heritage Month as well as direct links to interviews and conversations with professionals and students that share about their Hispanic Heritage and NIRSA experiences.
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month began in the late 1960s as a celebration of American citizens whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean (What is Hispanic Heritage Month, Time Magazine, 2017). Initially only a week long, it expanded to a full month in the late 1980s.
Instead of starting at the beginning of a month, the start date has significance. September 15th marks the independence day for five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatamala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The independence day for Mexico (16th), Honduras (18th) and Belize (21st) are close the 15th as well.
According to the official website for National Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month “pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.”
