South Middlesex Times

Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15, is a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the cultures and contributions of the Hispanic and Latin communities in America. K. Sebastian León, an associate professor of Latino and Caribbean studies and criminal justice at the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers-New Brunswick, provided insights into the significance of this observance.

Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as a week-long event coinciding with the independence day celebrations of several Central American countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Honduras. In the 1980s, it was expanded to 30 days to include Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza in South American contexts and Indigenous Peoples’ Day as more commonly recognized today.

"Hispanic Heritage Month offers an important opportunity to reflect, celebrate and participate in rich traditions," said León. "One of the most exciting things about HHM is that in a country as big and diverse as the United States, it is celebrated and experienced according to the local and regional influences of the Hispanic/Latino population."

León noted that "Hispanic" is a broad term with fluidity and variation in usage. He explained that its use varies by geography, particularly being more common in places like Florida. He added that many contemporary readers and writers prefer terms such as Latina; Latino; Latin@; Latina/o/x; Latinx.

"There is no universal way to use the word Hispanic," León stated. The term traditionally refers to Spanish-speaking populations in the western hemisphere but does not fully encompass all interconnected societies such as Caribbean or Latin American communities that speak English, French, or Portuguese.

León shared his personal way of observing Hispanic Heritage Month through events like the Rites of Passage graduation ceremony at Jersey Mike’s Arena for graduating seniors who identify as Black and/or Latinx. He also uses this month as a platform for connecting with courses and seminars during fall.

Rutgers marks Hispanic Heritage Month through various programs offered by its Center for Latino Arts and Culture. This includes social and educational events such as a "Welcome to La Familia" celebration on September 15. The Department of Latino and Caribbean Studies co-sponsors events throughout the year. Currently, there is a self-guided exhibit on the department's history at Lucy Stone Hall on Livingston Campus.

León emphasized that his department offers courses available to non-majors: "For a small sample of our expertise... check out our faculty bookshelf." He recommended articles from Pew Research Center for an overview of how Hispanic/Latino identity evolves in America today.