Hispanic Heritage Month

Here at the James B. Duke Memorial Library we are gearing up to celebrate Hispanic Hertiage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15-October 15, 2016.

This month is intended to serve as a celebration of Hispanic and Latino culture and here is where we will recognize the contributions that are made as well as use this space to celebrate their culture and heritage. Below you will find an excerpt from the official Hispanic Heritage Website concerning the history of month.

Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.

The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or “another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.”

Check back this month as we feature different highlights of Latino and Hispanic culture and introduce you all to new resources available within the library!