Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 13, 2019 |  Saludos, Feliz Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana de la División para la Diversidad, la Equidad y la Inclusión

(Greetings, Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month from the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

 

The UAMS Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is thrilled to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. It is more than fitting we have the opportunity to celebrate NHHM during our UAMS Diversity and Inclusion Month. In 2019, there are more Hispanics in the United States than there are in Spain. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos make up almost 8% of the population of Arkansas.

The addition of such rich and regal culture has enriched the very fabric of our institution, state and nation in every way, on every level. Whether marveling the beautiful art of Frida Kahlo, dancing to the melodic sounds of Shakira, reading a sharp dissent by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, or learning from our very own UAMS faculty such as Dr. Cesare Compadre, we are greater together. We encourage everyone on Team UAMS to help celebrate, highlight and reflect on the amazing influences and impacts our Hispanic and Latinx population provide us daily. In the words of comedian George Lopez, “No particular race is the enemy. Ignorance is the enemy.” Let’s continue to battle ignorance with intentional inclusivity.

September 15^th marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time for our nation to celebrate, explore and honor the amazing contributions of Latino culture and heritage. According to The Law Library of Congress, National Hispanic Heritage Month originated in 1968 when U.S. Congress passed Pub. L. 90-498, which authorized and requested the President to issue an annual proclamation designating the week which included Sept. 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The law celebrated Hispanic Americans and the anniversaries of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as Mexico’s independence on Sept. 16.

President Lyndon Johnson issued the first such proclamation. In 1988, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-402 which amended Pub. L. 90-498 and established National Hispanic Heritage Month. President George H.W. Bush issued the first proclamation, Presidential Proclamation 6021, for National Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 14, 1989. The “31-day period beginning September 15 and ending on October 15″ became National Hispanic Heritage Month. Between 1990 and 2018, Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald J. Trump have issued annual proclamations for National Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

Brian Gittens, Ed.D.

UAMS Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion