Jesse Medina
The Paw Print
Starting September 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off. National Hispanic Heritage month is a time that the country uses to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Hispanics are people whose ancestors hail from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15 and concludes October 15. It was first observed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage week. It was later extended by Ronald Reagan during 1988. It became a law later that year on August 17.
September 15 was chosen as the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month due to the significance of the date. It was on September 15 that the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua gained independence. In addition to this, Mexico and Chile also celebrate their respective independence days on the 16 and 18. Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza is observed on October 12 which falls within the 30 day period of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Traditionally, National Hispanic Heritage Month has a theme for the month. This year it is “Heritage, Diversity, Integrity, and Honor: The Renewed Hope of America.” Barack Obama gave the yearly proclamation that is traditionally given by the president that acknowledges and begins the 30 day celebration. The proclamation goes as such, “Now, therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2010 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.”
The Smithsonian is offering special displays, programming, and food displays throughout September. It is also having an exhibit titled “The Mexican Revolution! American Legacy.” The exhibit will include photographs, a timeline, and objects pertinent to Hispanic heritage. It also highlights how the Mexican Revolution precipitated a large migration of Mexicans to come to the United States.
Many companies have chosen to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month by creating special events. The NFL has chosen to commemorate the 30 day period by having teams designate home games to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month as well as having players participate in community outreach programs. The NFL will also broadcast its “Sunday Night Football” on Telemundo in addition to its usual broadcast on NBC. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins will be the featured teams. This game will be broadcasted on Telemundo’s New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami stations.
The game will also include tail gate festivities such as a performance by Texas rocker Alejandro Escovedo. The national anthem will be sung by Marc Anthony, with a half-time performance by Enrique Iglesias.
Comcast is also getting into the act. Their latest announcement is that they are going to provide special on-demand programming for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Programming will be available in both English and Spanish.
It is important to note the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to the United States and our community. With that in mind, enjoy National Hispanic Heritage Month!September Cel
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