Hispanic Heritage Month plays a big role in Latin American lives, as these 30 days allow Latin Americans to show off their beauty through traditions and culture. Now, H-F is hosting an evening of events to celebrate the month on Oct. 15.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic and Latino Americans and recognize their history, journeys and achievements,” the Smithsonian Institute reports. “Through these celebrations, we can all help to inspire younger generations and bring communities together.”
This celebrative period was created by former President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 to celebrate their independence day, but at the time it was only a week long. Then in 1988 it was expanded to 30 days, Sep. 15 to Oct. 15, by former President Ronald Reagan.
This year, H-F’s celebration will involve collaborations with musicians, the Spanish National Honors Society (SNHS) and food caterers.
The creator of this upcoming event is senior Vianney Martinez. the president of the event, who planned and organized the “Noche Cultural.”
Martinez said the reason for all of this is because she wants to spread latine and hispanic voices. “It’s just so we can share our voices, take up space and be able to share all the amazing things from Latine culture here,” Martinez said.
According to Martinez, this event will be free and everyone is welcome.
“People should bring their family and friends. There’s going to be food, performers and dancers. Students from H-F will be singing and reciting poems.” Martinez said.
Martinez is collaborating with Ashley Mazzola, a Spanish teacher and NSHS sponsor here at H-F, and Catherine Ross-Cook, the Associate Principal for Equity.
Mazzola joined to help Vianney accomplish her goal of bringing acknowledgement to Latino students at H-F. “I think it’s very important that everybody feels represented and celebrated at H-F, especially the minority population that maybe don’t have dominants,” Mazzola said.
Ross-Cook met Martinez last year and was able to work with her. Last year is when Martinez started to make moves and contact people to get this celebration done.
“Vianney can take any idea and make it magic,” Ross-Cook said.
This event will take place on Oct 15 at 5 p.m..- 7 p.m. in the South Cafeteria.
