Carnegie Mellon University
September 15, 2022

Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Community

Every year, National Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. As the largest pan-ethnic group in the United States, Chicanxs, Hispanics and Latinxs are extremely diverse by race, language, nationality and experiences along the diaspora.

While those of us who identify within the diaspora tend to be proud every day, this month provides our extended communities an opportunity to learn and engage with us on what it means to be Chicanx/Latinx/a/o/e/Hispanic in relation to intersectional identities, education, nationality, public health, art, history and so much more.

The national theme for this year is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation”. How serendipitous of the Hispanic Caucus to create a theme so closely related to our goals for the college — to foster a sense of community and belonging — a goal that will ultimately strengthen our campus.

Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover the 30-day period mentioned above. September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

I invite each and every member of our community to engage with the opportunities below and to also create your own way to support Chicanx, Latinx, and Hispanic organizations in the city of Pittsburgh.

Lastly, make sure to follow our Instagram to learn more about nuestra gente (our people).

Pa’lante! (Onward!)

Valeria J. Martinez
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College of Fine Arts