It’s Hispanic Heritage Month. How are local groups celebrating

It's Hispanic Heritage Month. How are local groups celebrating?

Background

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture, history and contributions of American citizens of Spanish, Caribbean, Mexican, Central American or South American descent.

This observance originated as Hispanic Heritage Week, first proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Recognizing the profound impact of Hispanic/Latine Americans' contributions to the United States, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a month-long event in 1988 through Public Law 100-402, ensuring ample time to properly acknowledge their significant achievements and contributions.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. ​The celebration coincides with the independence dates of many Latin American countries, including Nicaragua, Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Chile.

It is a time to honor Hispanic Americans' contributions across various fields, including medicine and public health. Figures like Dr. Antonia Novello, the first Hispanic Surgeon General, and Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías, who fought for women and children to have increased access to healthcare, have paved the way for future generations. Their work reflects the important role Hispanic and Latine people have in advancing health care in the United States.

Events

Want to learn more about Hispanic culture and history? Below is a list of events that are happening in Northeast Ohio:

• Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Saturday, Sept. 28, noon - 4 p.m. Cleveland, Ohio.
• 4th Annual Akron Latin Festival. Saturday, October 5, 4 p.m.- 9 p.m. Akron, Ohio
• Celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Saturday, Sept. 28, and Oct. 5 at various times in Kent.
• Throughout the month, check out the Latino Medical Student Association's activities on Campus Groups for more events.