Hispanic Heritage Month is the celebration of independence for a multitude of Spanish speaking countries such as Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras. During this month, September 15th to October 15th, it’s important to appropriately celebrate and acknowledge their culture. 

As a predominantly white community, it could be difficult to understand where the line is drawn between appropriation–the inappropriate adaptation of a culture–and appreciation. 

There are many ways PR students and staff can commemorate the history of Hispanic ancestry in our community:

• Honor a Hispanic hero every week and discuss their influence on the culture
• Cook authentic recipes from Spanish speaking countries 
• Understand the difference between Spanish speaking countries and Portuguese speaking countries
• Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago
• Consume Hispanic media such as books or podcasts
  • Check out this list of books with Lantix protagonists provided by the PRHS library.
• Learn the origins of different countries and how they gained independence 
• Listen to Spanish music
  • Try this 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month playlist on Spotify. 
• Invite a guest speaker to discuss their culture
• Watch television shows either in Spanish or in English with Spanish subtitles
• Watch films directed by a Latinx or Hispanic person
• Talk with one of our Spanish teachers 
• Exchange emails with a pen pal through the Costa Rica Virtual Exchange program
• Support local businesses owned by someone of Hispanic or Latinx origin
• Play a Latinx artist’s music during the musical minute 

Celebrating heritage is important to do, especially in a predominantly white community. Please consider doing one of these activities to respectfully honor Hispanic and Latinx culture this fall and consider attending the next Spanish Club meeting on October 14th.