Latinx Heritage Month

This guide provides a starting point to learn about Latinx Heritage Month (sometimes also known as Hispanic Heritage Month) which is celebrated annually from September 15 through October 15. This guide is intended as a non-exhaustive resource on contemporary and historic Latinx figures and their works, accomplishments, and histories. In it, we strive to recognize the intersectional nature of identity and hope to highlight voices and stories across a wide range of lived experience.

The UD community is welcome to suggest resources, guides, or any other information relevant to this guide by contacting librarydiversity@udayton.edu.

Nationally, Hispanic Heritage Month (referred to as Latinx Heritage Month at the University of Dayton) is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 each year. In September of 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson, authorized by Congress, proclaimed the first Hispanic Heritage Week, which was the week of September that included September 15 and 16. In 1989, the week was expanded by Congress to become a month-long celebration. The month is intended to honor the cultures of groups who trace their roots back to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Five countries celebrate their independence from Spain on September 15: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile gained their independence from Spain on September 16 and 17, respectively, and Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 21.

Sources: Facts for Features: Hispanic Heritage Month 2018, U.S. Census Bureau and What Is Hispanic Heritage Month—and Who Celebrates It?, Oprahdaily.com