Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15-Oct.15). During this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 is chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Hispanic-Latinos are now the largest racial minority in the U.S. We represent 14 percent of the nation’s total population (41.3 million) according to The U.S. Census Bureau data of Sept. 2005. The data also projects that the Hispanic population as of July 1, 2050 will be 102.6 million. According to this projection, Hispanics will constitute 24 percent of the nation’s total population on that date. Thus, it is only fitting that we showcase our contributions, service, and culture to others.
The Hispanic Student Association at the University of Florida is proud to host the largest student-run Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) celebration in the country on our college campus. Hispanic Heritage Month is an incredible festival of Hispanic-Latino culture celebrated nationwide between September 15 and October 15.
During the month, Hispanic-Latino student organizations provide the University and Gainesville community with cultural, educational, and social programming. HHM is an enriching, month long display of activities, programs and events geared at showcasing the diversity and activism of the Hispanic-Latino student community. The purpose is to learn about and share the many cultures that make up the Hispanic-Latino community while building bridges inside and outside of the community. There are more Hispanic-Latino based student groups at UF than at any other college in the nation. As a former Programming Director for the month, I believe our success can be attributed to our collaborative effort with non-Hispanic student organizations, the Gainesville community and University Departments.
The month consists of seven main events including an Opening Ceremony, Talent Show, Soccer Tournament, Comedy Show, Pageant Show, Play Performance, and a Closing Ceremony. Every year, we bring some of the biggest names in Latin music for our annual concert. In the past, HHM has brought Oro Solido, Aventura, Eddie Santiago, Yerba Buena, Sonora Carruseles, etc. This year, the concert will feature Umoja Orchestra (a UF student based band), Los Primeros, Puerto Rican Power and Fulanito. This year’s theme for the month is “Stemming From A Seasoned Soul”.
The Chamber of Hispanic Affairs also hosts the biggest Latino event in Gainesville. The 6th annual Downtown Latino Festival is the community event to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event features music, performances, food, and information booths. It will take place September 22, 2007 from 1pm to 6pm at the Downtown Plaza.
All programs and events are FREE and open to the public. I invite all to come out and celebrate with the students of the University of Florida and the Gainesville community as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Remember, “Nothing Could be Greater than Being a Latin Gator.”
For more information, visit http://www.hhmuf.com/ and http://www.downtownlatino.org/
Regards,
David Joseph Ruiz
In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15-Oct.15). During this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 is chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Hispanic-Latinos are now the largest racial minority in the U.S. We represent 14 percent of the nation’s total population (41.3 million) according to The U.S. Census Bureau data of Sept. 2005. The data also projects that the Hispanic population as of July 1, 2050 will be 102.6 million. According to this projection, Hispanics will constitute 24 percent of the nation’s total population on that date. Thus, it is only fitting that we showcase our contributions, service, and culture to others.
The Hispanic Student Association at the University of Florida is proud to host the largest student-run Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) celebration in the country on our college campus. Hispanic Heritage Month is an incredible festival of Hispanic-Latino culture celebrated nationwide between September 15 and October 15.
During the month, Hispanic-Latino student organizations provide the University and Gainesville community with cultural, educational, and social programming. HHM is an enriching, month long display of activities, programs and events geared at showcasing the diversity and activism of the Hispanic-Latino student community. The purpose is to learn about and share the many cultures that make up the Hispanic-Latino community while building bridges inside and outside of the community. There are more Hispanic-Latino based student groups at UF than at any other college in the nation. As a former Programming Director for the month, I believe our success can be attributed to our collaborative effort with non-Hispanic student organizations, the Gainesville community and University Departments.
The month consists of seven main events including an Opening Ceremony, Talent Show, Soccer Tournament, Comedy Show, Pageant Show, Play Performance, and a Closing Ceremony. Every year, we bring some of the biggest names in Latin music for our annual concert. In the past, HHM has brought Oro Solido, Aventura, Eddie Santiago, Yerba Buena, Sonora Carruseles, etc. This year, the concert will feature Umoja Orchestra (a UF student based band), Los Primeros, Puerto Rican Power and Fulanito. This year’s theme for the month is “Stemming From A Seasoned Soul”.
The Chamber of Hispanic Affairs also hosts the biggest Latino event in Gainesville. The 6th annual Downtown Latino Festival is the community event to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event features music, performances, food, and information booths. It will take place September 22, 2007 from 1pm to 6pm at the Downtown Plaza.
All programs and events are FREE and open to the public. I invite all to come out and celebrate with the students of the University of Florida and the Gainesville community as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Remember, “Nothing Could be Greater than Being a Latin Gator.”
For more information, visit http://www.hhmuf.com/ and http://www.downtownlatino.org/
Regards,
David Joseph Ruiz
posted by David J. Ruiz | 12:13:00 AM
1 Comments:
David is inviting all to check out his Hispanic Heritage Month letter which was featured in the Sat., Sept. 15th Edition of the Gainesville Sun Newspaper.
http://www.gainesvillesun.com/article/20070915/OPINION02/709150313/-1/opinion
Have A Nice Day!
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