Dating back to 1968, Hispanic Heritage Week was first implemented by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Then, President Ronald Reagan expanded the recognition to a month-long celebration of the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.
September 15 through October 15 was selected for the commemorative month because eight Latin American countries celebrate their independence days during this time span including Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.
During the coming weeks, many Samford University organizations will commemorate the month through special events, lectures and more.
Kick-Off Fiesta
September 15, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Ben Brown Plaza
Samford students, faculty and staff are invited to a fiesta hosted by the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives to kick off the recognition month.
Hispanic Law Students Association (HILSA) Meeting
September 16, 11 a.m.
Angel Patio
Cumberland School of Law's Hispanic Law Students Association (HILSA) will hold its first meeting of the year to welcome its new members while celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with different cultural foods and desserts.
Latino Student Organization (LSO) Meeting and Salsa Dance Night
September 21, 6–7:30 p.m.
Harry’s, University Center
Samford students are invited to a salsa dance night and meeting with the Latino Student Organization.
Film Showing and Discussion
September 29, 3–4:45 p.m.
Christenberry Planetarium, Propst Hall Room 140
The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives invites Samford students, faculty and staff to a film showing and discussion.
Culture in the Caf
October 4, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Caf, University Center
The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives and Samford Dining invites students, faculty and staff to join them for National Taco Day.
Cultural Lens Film & Speaker Series: The Deportation Machine
October 7, 6 p.m.
Zoom
Samford’s Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives will partner with UAB’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the University of Alabama’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a discussion of The Deportation Machine: America’s Long History of Expelling Immigrants by Adam Goodman.
Lunch and Learn Seminar
October 13, 12 – 1 p.m.
Brock Forum, Dwight Beeson Hall Room 131
Samford students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives to a lunch and learn featuring guest speaker Daniel Carroll, professor at Wheaton College. Carroll will speak on the rich tradition of biblical interpretation in the Latino/Latinx tradition.
In addition to these events intended to increase cultural awareness, the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives encourages the Samford community to read Latinos in the United States: Diversity and Change by Rogelio Sáenz and Maria Christina Morales. Dieter A. Waldvogel, assistant professor in Samford's Howard College of Arts and Sciences, uses this book in his Latin America Culture II (Spanish 317) course. He describes it as an “easy-to-read comprehensive overview of the contributions made by Latinos and the challenges they face in education, health, work, religion, politics and other social institutions.” The book may be found on Amazon.
“Understanding systems and the way they affect members of our community is an important step,” said Jenée Spencer, Samford’s director of diversity education and development. “This allows us to identify ways we can use our access, talents and passions to advocate for the needs of others.”