Mid Sept. marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the impact and contributions of Hispanic culture in America. 

The Sept. 15 start date aligns with the Independence Days of several Central and Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In the days following, Mexico’s Independence Day is on Sept. 16 and Chile’s on Sept. 18. 

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Spanish professors in the Department of World Languages and Cultures shared their thoughts on the month of celebration. 

“It’s my heritage, so it’s wonderful seeing people celebrating by getting together at all kinds of events,” said Dr. Johanna Alberich, associate professor of Spanish who is of Puerto Rican decent. “Being a military kid, there were always events around military bases where they would celebrate and that was really impactful and important to me.” 

Department Chair and Associate Professor of Spanish Dr. Kelly Suero shared insight into how Hispanic and non-Hispanic people alike can relate during this month. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is really interesting in that a lot of people celebrate who are not technically Hispanic,” Suero said. “I think it’s just because so many people have a fondness for the culture in some way – either you enjoy learning the language or traveling, or you have a Latino or Hispanic person in your life.  

“I think in some way we can all relate.” 

Elijah Brooks, Spanish club president and senior psychology major from Luverne, Alabama, shared his perspective as well. 

“For me, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is about seizing a learning opportunity, as well as engaging and supporting a community outside of your own,” Brooks said. “I hope that people, whether they are Hispanic or not, take away a feeling of pride and acknowledgement.” 

The department will be holding two events for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, including a film festival and a creativity contest that are both open to all students. 

The film festival on Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. features the Spanish movie, “Perfect Strangers” with English subtitles. 

In collaboration with the Department of Art and Design, the Department of World Languages and Cultures organized the second annual Troy Student Hispanic Heritage Month Creativity Contest. The contest encourages students to showcase their creativity through this year’s theme, “United Voices,” using the creative medium of their choice. 

To participate in the competition, students must email a picture of their work to ksuero@troy.edu by Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. Selected pieces will be displayed at the International Arts Center from Oct. 7 to Oct. 15.  

First, second and third place winners will win a gift card from Rodeos Mexican Restaurant. 

Alberich shared her hopes of what others take away from this month and its events. 

“I hope people take away awareness of other cultures and languages and know just how important the Hispanic community is to our country,” Alberich said. 

Brooks also offered some closing words. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month might be a month-long celebration but honoring and remembering the Hispanic community’s contribution to the world is a year-round opportunity which one can partake in at any moment,” Brooks said.