The raising of the Hispanic Heritage flag last Monday marked the start of a month-long celebration.
The celebration of Hispanic Heritage has taken place since 1968 after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation that authorized an annual proclamation for a week including Sept. 15 and 16, choosing dates that coincided with the independence days of Mexico and several Central American countries’ independence day on Sept. 16th.
In 1987, a bill was introduced to turn the celebration into a month-long occasion. The following year, President Ronald Reagan signed it into law, and in 1989, President George H.W. Bush officially declared the current 31-day period used to celebrate the month.The purpose of the celebration is to honor and influence the contributions of Hispanic communities in a variety of areas.
The flag raising, hosted by the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion (MCDI), took place outside of the German Club and saw several student leaders and administrators in attendance, including University President Jens Frederiksen.
“I was happy to attend the flag-raising event to mark the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, and I am always pleased to help support the many cultural celebrations that are planned across campus,” said Frederiksen. “I have always believed that the University of New Haven student body truly reflects the world we live in and the world we want to live in, and I commend all those who help support programs that celebrate the many cultures represented in our community.”
Several members of the community took to the microphone to share history and personal stories, including Assistant Director for the MCDI Kenneth Notarino-Jeffrey and Vice President of Community, Advocacy and Diversity for the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) Dora Crespo.
One speech stood out with its call to action, Latin American Student Association President Nikki Rosario used the end of her speech to criticize the U.S.’ current administration and its supporters.
“Though LASA does not identify with one specific political party, this nation’s current administration goes directly against what our model states were, and shame on anyone who supports the mistreatment of the Hispanic community or any minorities. This is no longer a separation of political parties, human rights are being severely violated,” said Rosario. “Mi gente {My people], it’s okay to feel scared, but it’s a time for all of us to be the strongest that we’ve ever been. Know your rights, teach your family members and friends, we are not as weak as they think we are. None of us are illegal on stolen land.”
The call to action is in response to the current administration’s actions on illegal immigration and the Sept. 8 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo. The 6-3 Supreme Court ruling gives federal agents the right to stop individuals based on ethnicity, language or workplace after a lower court ruled that arrests based on these factors violated the Fourth Amendment.
The MCDI has already hosted four of their events in honor of Hispanic Heritage month. However, there are five left for those interested in attending, such as Hispanic Cuisine Night, which takes place Sept 23 and Rhythms of Heritage on Oct. 8. For more details regarding events honoring Hispanic Heritage month, check Charger Connection or the calendar posted on the MCDI’s Instagram @unewhaven_mcdi.
