Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a national recognition of the culture, contributions and heritage of Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

It is a long-standing tradition at Oakland University to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month during the month of September to celebrate the history, politics and culture of Hispanic people, locally and globally.

HHM Photos HHM Videos

Events

2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Hispanic Film Festival
Come join us for a curated selection of films depicting the multiple realities that conform Latin America. Immerse yourself in the hypnotic rhythms of nature with JosÃ© Emilio Ramos "Giro Polar." Come listen to a historical conversation with United Workers leader Cesar Chavez in "La Causa." Join hands with Mexican leaders of the Women Rights movement in a struggle to overcome patriarchal and colonial discrimination in "La Revuelta."

Monday, September 16 | Lunes 16 de Septiembre

Opening Ceremony
When You Vote, You Vote for ALL of Us
Oakland Center, Gold Room A and B | Noon - 1 p.m.
Sponsored by LatinxERG, External Agencies, Student Orgs/OSI, HHMC, OUSC

Saturday, September 21 | SÃ¡bado 21 de Septiembre

Community Service Project at Hispanic Outreach Center
Work alongside Hispanic Outreach Center students and mentors to prepare their facility and grounds for the fall. Lunch provided to those who sign up: Hispanic Outreach Center Volunteer Sign-Up Form
Meet at the Hispanic Outreach Center, 76 Williams, Pontiac, MI | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuesday, September 24 | Martes 24 de Septiembre

Hispanic Film Festival Viewing of Giro Polar
Oakland Center, The Habitat | Noon

Friday, September 27 | Viernes 27 de Septiembre

Festival del Barrio
Led by Latinx student organizations, this event is aimed to educate OU Students about each of the countries celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month! It is a celebration of the rich culture our Latinx students identify with.
Elliott Tower | 4 - 6 p.m.
Sponsored by HALO, Spanish Club, Sigma Delta Pi

Saturday, September 28 | SÃ¡bado 28 de Septiembre
The Latinx and AAPI Employee Resource Groups will host the Council
of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA) Leadership Summit
Register here
Engineer Building | 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sponsored by DEI, Latinx ERG, AAPI ERG

Tuesday, October 1 | Martes 1 de Octubre

Hispanic Film Festival Viewing of La Causa
Oakland Center, The Habitat | Noon
Sponsored by Department of Modern Languages

Loteria Night (Mexican Bingo)
Come and enjoy traditional Mexican pastries and win prizes by playing the traditional Mexican game!
Oak View Hall, Main Lobby | 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Sponsored by University Housing, Residence Life Association

Tuesday, October 8 | Martes 8 de Octubre

Hispanic Film Festival Viewing of La Revuelta
Oakland Center, The Habitat | Noon
Sponsored by Department of Modern Languages

Thursday, October 10 | Jueves 10 de Octubre

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Club
Featured book: Living Beyond Borders: Stories About Growing Up Mexican in America by Margarita Longoria (Editor), Francisco X. Stork, and Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Join us as we celebrate Hispanic and Latinx authors! Though we will be highlighting the featured book, reading the book is not required to attend this event. We will provide an opportunity for folks to share their favorite Hispanic and Latinx authors and/or works.
Oakland Center, Ambassador Room A | Noon - 1 p.m.

Thursday, October 17 | Jueves 17 de Octubre

If You Can See It, You Can Be It Panel: Connect with Community Leaders Facilitated by the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Oakland Center, Gold Rooms |5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sponsored by CMI, LatinxERG, and HHM Committee

Monday, October 28 | Lunes 28 de Octubre

Honoring Our Loved Ones: Ofrenda
The Habitat, The Oakland Center | Noon- 1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Latinx ERG, UH, Student Orgs, HHMC