Olin celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Jackie Carter, diversity, equity and inclusion manager, contributed this post to the Olin Blog.

Olin is making amplified efforts to support our diverse communities in commitment to justice and equity. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports all. One way to achieve this is through monthly cultural observance letters to celebrate, observe and occasionally come together in remembrances. This month, we spotlight Hispanic culture as a fundamental part of American heritage by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) 

September 15 marks the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The purpose is to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans as well as commemorate their influence on US culture. The theme for 2022 is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” 

The celebration begins in the middle of the month, coinciding with National Independence Day on September 15. Many Latin American countries recognize and honor this day, specifically Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and 18, respectively. The United States Congressional observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. President Ronald Reagan expanded the recognition to a month on August 17, 1988, when the Hispanic Heritage Month Law was enacted. Visit the following resources to learn more about how Hispanic heritages are American heritages. 

Hispanic/Latino Heritage  

U.S. Latinos Facts 

You can participate in these cultural observances by taking part in the following campus and community events:  

• Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival, Soulard Park, September 23–25 
• LatinX Arts Network STL A network for artists and art advocates who support and encourage the Hispanic/Latinx arts in the Greater St. Louis area. 
• The Mission Continues, United in Service–St Louis, Earth Dance Organic Farm School, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. September 17. 
• The Missouri History Museum’s The American Experience through Storytelling features three storytellers. One is Nestor Gomez, who will talk about his experience as an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. 5:30-8 p.m. October 13.

Learn@WashU

In addition to the resources included above, our microlearning journeys from Blue Ocean Brain are housed in the learning platform learn. WashU is another place to start. New journeys available this month include:   

• Appreciating Diversity: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 

Together, we welcome and value all. Click here to learn more about Olin’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

The start of a new semester brings the possibility of discoveries into the ways we can all take part in constructing an inclusive learning environment where each can thrive. Discover your way of commemorating and contributing!