National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year in the United States from September 15 through October 15. It recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week long celebration referred to as Hispanic Heritage Week and was established by legislation sponsored by Representative Edward Roybal of Los Angeles. It was later signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. In 1988, this commemorative week was expanded to a month of celebration (September 15 - October 15) by legislation sponsored by Representative Esteban Edward Torres, amended by Senator Paul Simon, and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.  The September 15 start date was chosen due to it being the anniversary of independence of five Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicuragua.  These countries all declared independence in 1821. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence on September 16, September 18, and September 21, respectively.

Hispanic Student Association at the University of Memphis

The Hispanic Student Association (HSA) at the University of Memphis was founded in the Spring of 1999 due to the effort of their President Nestor "Ito" Rodriguez. The Organization was created to spread awareness of Hispanic and Latinx cultures and to give the Hispanic population of The University of Memphis a voice on campus. Their purpose is to bring together the City of Memphis and University of Memphis students of all backgrounds to gain insight on the diversity and richness of Latin culture while having fun through community activities and social events. Membership in the organization requires only that one have an interest in Hispanic culture. There is not discrimination against any race, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious background. For more information concerning HSA and their meetings and current events, please email hsauofm@gmail.com, or visit the HSA site on Tiger Zone.