On Sept. 13, Elizabethtown College celebrated the start of Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The dates were chosen to coincide with the Independence Day celebration of many of the Latin American countries. The theme of this year is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This theme recognizes many Latinos/Hispanics who built the road for future generations to be able to effect change and includes the spirit of invention, perseverance and solidarity that constitute the Hispanic experience. The College held a flag raising ceremony this month to honor the countries that are represented.The flags are displayed in the Baugher Student Center (BSC) concourse.
“As the first Hispanic woman to venture into space, Dr. Ellen Ochoa shattered not only the glass ceiling but the atmosphere itself,”Darcey Mills, Director of Student Diversity, Equity & Belonging at the event.
Mills shared some of the histories of Hispanic women facing discrimination in the past because of the societal norms established, likewomen’s inability to experiencee the same opportunities men may have.
In the BSC, tables were displayed of different countries that students at the College Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off had origins in. Fun facts, Independence Dayand treats from their countries were handed out. The president of the Latinx/Hispanic Student Union (LHSU), Samantha Yanez, was also one of the speakers at the event. She stated that many Southern American independence days are in the middle of the month, hence the middle of the month was designated as the commencement of these celebrations. Closer to the last day of this celebration, Oct. 12 marks “El Dia de La Raza” or “Day of the Race” which is the celebration of the heritage, colonization and cultural diversity of Latin America.
When talking to the attendees, many of them expressed the joy they felt to be there.
“I am far away from my family in Puerto Rico, and sometimes, events like this where many different Hispanics regroup with each other to celebrate our culture,” said sophomore International Business major, Maya Romero.
“Haiti is in the middle of Central America, surrounded by Spanish-speaking countries especially since it shares an island with the Dominican Republic. Being from Haiti, I did not know that it was considered a Latin country,” JuniorSchumy Pascal said.“Seeing the flag of my country being hung in the BSC makes me feel proud that the school is including countries that are usually forgotten about,” she added.As the celebration just kicked off, many events will be happening throughout the month. They are available for everyone to attend. For more information about the upcoming events, please visit news.etown.edu.
