Column by Juan Espinosa
Every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Americans observe and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
During this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
This observation began in 1968 when Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim Hispanic Heritage Week.
In 1988 President Ronald Regan expanded the initative to cover a 30 day period, and it was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, with the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The period between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 is significant because many Latin American nations celebrate their independence within these dates. In addition, Columbus Day, or DÃa de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period.
According to the U.S. Census, as of July 2008 there were about 46.9 million Hispanics in the U.S.—the largest ethnic minority.
Millions of Hispanics own businesses and have been able to generate thousands of jobs for our economy. Hispanic small business owners have become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the U.S. economy. Hispanics are also doctors, lawyers, politicians and teachers.
We have defended and served our nation in every conflict since the Revolutionary War. Throughout our history Hispanics have played and will continue to play a vital role in the economic, political and social fabric of the U.S.
Various governmental and non-governmental institutions have co-organized events and exibitions celerating the month.
If you visit Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks, you might want to visit one of the many exhibitions and events organized by the Library of Congress, the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, or the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
In Kentucky, Hispanics have been able to observe the rapidly growing Hispanic population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2008 Hispanics accounted for 2.4 percent of Kentucky’s population.
Hispanic Heritage Month in the Bluegrass ranges from Cinco de Mayo celebrations to bilingual school programs. Our legacy has enriched our culture and diversity in the Commonwealth.
We have also played a key role in several industries such as agriculture and equine, further contributing to the economic backbones of the Bluegrass.
At UK we withessed a growing number of Hispanic students, faculty and staff.
As a freshman, I was one of very few Hispanic students. Now there has been a significant increase of Hispanics pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Even though Hispanics are still underrepresented in the student body, when compared to the national and state statistics, I am confident Hispanic and minority recruitment will continue to increase at UK. Hispanic enrollment and diversity will be essential in our efforts to make UK a top-20 institution.
As we are in the month of celebration, I would like to encourage you to attend events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the Lexington area. On Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the Lexington Parks and Recreation, and many private business and organizations will host The PNC Festival Latino de Lexington at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza.
This is a free event with various activities including live music, dance, art, exhibitions, presentations, food and much more.
The Latin American Student Organization is also organizing its annual Latin American Week, which will include various activities and events to celebrate Hispanic heritage. For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month, visit http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/.
Juan Espinosa is a political science senior. E-mail opinions@kykernel.com.
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