Students Dismayed at Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place over five independence days celebrated by Latin American countries. This period is a holiday that encourages Americans to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic people to the United States.

The holiday originated as Hispanic Heritage Week, first signed into law by president Lyndon Johnson in 1968. In 1988, Former President Ronald Reagan signed the expansion for Hispanic Heritage to be celebrated from September 15 to October 15. 

Hispanic Heritage Month allows a space for the US to appreciate all the contributions that Hispanic people have had in the United States. Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta were important members in the fight against unfair treatment of farm workers. In 1962, they founded the National Farm Workers Association that eventually merged with other similar organizations to become the United Farm Workers of America.  

In D.C., many people celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by attending the Mi Pequeño El Salvador Festival. It takes place in Lamont Plaza in Mount Pleasant and celebrates Salvadorian Culture with live music, art, cultural performance, and more. It is celebrated on the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15. 

Zulay Portillo (‘28) sometimes goes to El Salvador to visit family during Hispanic Heritage Month. They said the festivals have “a lot of food … [and they got to] to have fun and connect with family.”

While D.C. hosts many festivals celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, many students believe School Without Walls needs to do more. Sophie Younger, (‘27) said “I don’t really see a lot of posters or artwork or events.” Younger noted that events either aren’t available or they aren’t advertised well enough. 

Ana Martinez-Lopez, a Spanish teacher at walls added “I don’t think [we have enough celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month], but we are working towards making it better.” 

Hispanic Heritage Month is an important month to celebrate all the cultural contributions Hispanic people have had in our country. D.C. celebrates with many free and engaging festivals, yet many members of the Walls community still think we need to put more work into celebrating this important holiday.