Hispanic Heritage Month: A Celebration of Culture, Contributions and Challenges

An exploration for Delta Gamma staff and chapter leaders

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate the rich history, vibrant cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the Hispanic and Latino community, as well as to educate ourselves about their diverse experiences and perspectives.

Origins and Evolution of Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a month-long period, recognizing the growing Hispanic population in the United States and the importance of honoring their contributions.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Nationwide

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide through a variety of events and activities, including parades, festivals, educational programs and cultural performances. These events provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about Hispanic and Latino cultures, traditions and history.

Significance of Hispanic Heritage Month in Today’s Context

Hispanic Heritage Month is more important than ever in today’s context, as the Hispanic and Latino community faces a number of challenges, including discrimination, prejudice and economic inequality. The current political climate, marked by contentious discourse and the impending presidential election, has further heightened tensions and anxieties within the Hispanic and Latino community. Additionally, the US border crisis, with its influx of migrants from Latin American countries, has raised complex issues about immigration and national security.

Cultural Competency in Delta Gamma’s Recruitment Process

In light of these challenges, it is essential for Delta Gamma to embrace cultural competency in its recruitment process. This means actively seeking to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures, traditions and experiences of Hispanic and Latina women. It also means creating an inclusive environment where all women feel welcome and valued, regardless of their background.

Challenges Often Faced by Hispanic and Latina Women

Historically, Hispanic and Latina women have often faced a number of challenges during recruitment processes in sororities, including:

• Perception that they won’t be seriously considered: Some Hispanic and Latina women may feel that they are not the “typical” member and that they will not be accepted into the organization.
• Concern about having to hide or obscure their cultural background to fit in: Some Hispanic and Latina women may feel pressure to assimilate into the dominant culture and hide their cultural identity in order to fit in with the sorority.
• Not feeling valued or psychologically safe: Some Hispanic and Latina women may not feel welcome or valued in the sorority, and they may experience discrimination or prejudice.
• Recruitment themes or processes lack sensitivity or respect for their culture: Some Hispanic and Latina women may feel that the sorority recruitment themes or processes are insensitive to their culture.
  

Encouraging Staff and Chapter Leaders to Learn More

Delta Gamma staff and chapter leaders can play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for Hispanic and Latina women. Here are some ways to learn more and take action:

• Educate yourself about Hispanic and Latino cultures and history. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you learn more about Hispanic and Latino cultures and history.
• Talk to Hispanic and Latina women in your community. Ask them about their experiences and what they would like to see from Delta Gamma.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all women. Make sure that your recruitment materials and events are inclusive of all cultures and backgrounds.
• Speak out against discrimination and prejudice. If you see or hear something that is discriminatory or prejudiced, speak up and take action.
  

Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

There are a number of Hispanic Heritage Month events happening both virtually and in Columbus, Ohio throughout the month of September and October. Below you will find a few examples of those events in addition to other ways that you can celebrate or acknowledge the month individually.

•  Viva! Venezuela!: A Celebration of Venezuelan Culture: September 28, Columbus Museum of Art
•  Columbus, Ohio Hispanic Heritage Festival: September 15-17; Genoa Park
•  Latin American Film Festival: September 20-23, Wexner Center for the Arts
• Book a Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual Experience with Sightseeing, Games and more: Learn more.
• Purchase from a Hispanic-Owned Business
• Watch a Latin Film or Documentary
• Jam Out to a Latin Playlist on Spotify
• Host a Virtual Potluck to share recipes together and food experiences with your chapter!  
• Check out this recipe guide
• Does your chapter love a fun challenge? If so, then try learning the Spanish language as a team!

During each day of Hispanic Heritage Month, pick a word or phrase for your members to learn. Then, send out the word of the day. Challenge everyone to use the word in an internal conversation or email. Duolingo is a popular and free language-learning app. Encourage your members to check it out so they can continue learning even after Hispanic Heritage Month is over!

• Start a Hispanic Heritage Month book club.
• Explore Latin food and drinks within your local community.
• Get your chapter members moving by learning a Latin dance together during Hispanic Heritage Month. After all, dancing can be a fun way to get active and release stress.  
• Additionally, by getting your members out of their comfort zone, everyone can build trust and rapport while boosting their self-confidence.
  

Conclusion

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich history, vibrant cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges faced by the Hispanic and Latino community and to take action to create a more inclusive and equitable society. By embracing cultural competency and creating a welcoming environment for all women, Delta Gamma can play a role in making Hispanic Heritage Month a meaningful celebration for everyone.

Additional Resources

• National Hispanic Heritage Month website
• The National Museum of the American Latino
• The Hispanic Heritage Foundation