National Hispanic Heritage Month
Today, we begin our annual celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s Hispanic Heritage National Theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” This theme “encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.”
When first declared on Sept. 17, 1968, the law allotted only one week of recognition and celebration. However, throughout the years, it has grown into a deserving and significant occasion in our country’s history.
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th. This date is significant because it coincides with five Central American nations declaring their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Mexico declared their independence from Spain more than a decade earlier on September 16, 1810. This celebrated month reminds us to reflect on all of the contributions members of our Latinx communities have made in the past, present, and will continue to make in the future. Please take time this month and beyond to celebrate and learn about the Latinx culture!
Let’s also take this time to show appreciation for our Latinx campus members of students, staff, and faculty who support and enrich our Rockford campus and medical school environment.
Learn more about the Latinx culture, and the significant contributions they have made to our society and in medicine:
• Presidential Actions
• AAMC: Celebrating 10 Hispanic pioneers in medicine
• National Hispanic Medical Association
• The Latino Medical Student Association
• UIC Rafael Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center
• UIC University Library LatinX Titles