Thursday, September 15, 2022

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 each year. It was first celebrated as a weeklong event in 1968 and expanded into a month in 1988. The autumn timeframe is significant because it marks independence days for several Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on September 15, while Mexico and Chile mark their independence day on September 16 and September 18, respectively. 

Read President Ana Mari Cauce’s blog post as she explores why diversity, equity and inclusion are so important to the mission of the University of Washington, looks at new books by faculty that celebrate Hispanic and Latinx culture, and highlights celebrations occurring on all three UW campuses. 

There are many resources on campus where you can explore, get involved and celebrate the unique contributions and rich heritage of Hispanic and Latinx cultures. Here is a partial list to get you started.  

The Latino Center for Health, based at the School of Social Work, operates in partnership with the UW schools of medicine and public health. The Latino Center provides leadership for community-engaged research through authentic partnerships and capacity building with community stakeholders, promotes culturally responsive practices, informs health policy, and advances the well-being of Washington’s growing Latinx community.  

The UW Latinx Faculty and Staff Association is an advocacy, leadership development and social networking group that addresses Latinx issues in higher education, including the educational concerns and advancement of the UW Latinx community. Membership provides an opportunity to build community and foster connections with other Latinx faculty and staff.

Leadership Without Borders was created with undocumented students in mind. It serves as a launch pad for student leadership, a space for community building, and a connection point for awareness as well as resources and services for undocumented students.

The UW Center for Human Rights is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in the education of undergraduate and graduate students in the field of human rights; promotes human rights as a core area of faculty and graduate research; and actively engages with local, regional, national and international organizations and policymakers to advance human rights.