| | | Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is celebrated annually from September 15 - October 15 to acknowledge the history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced to over 20 countries in Latin American, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. In the United States, there are approximately 60 million people who have ancestries connected to these countries who reside in the United States, representing approximately 18% of the U.S. population. Many labels are used for this racial-ethnic group, with the most common umbrella terms being "Hispanic" and "Latina/e/o/x."
Since 1968, HHM has been recognized by the federal government and celebrated across the United States. The start of the month, September 15, is significant, as several Latin American countries celebrate their independence from Spain on this day, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence during the month on September 16 and 18 respectively.
In September 2018, a University-wide committee chaired by Dr. Gina Garcia and the Latinx Student Association (LSA) launched the first HHM set of programs at Pitt as a grassroots effort to increase the University community's knowledge and understanding of the Hispanic/Latina/e/o/x community. Each year the committee designs a series of cultural, educational, social, and advocacy events for the Pitt, CMU, and greater Pittsburgh community.
Due to COVID-19, Pitt HHM 2020 will primarily feature virtual programs. This year's programs are co-hosted by the Latinx Student Association, Hispanic Latinx Professional Association (HLPA), Latin American Graduate Organization of Students (LAGOS), Center for Latin American Studies, Student Affairs, Hillman Library, School of Education, Graduate School of Public Health, Carnegie Mellon University, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and local community organizations. The committee includes representatives from across the campus, as well as those from local organizations who have created a collaborative calendar of events intended to create awareness of Hispanics/Latinas/es/os/xs in Pittsburgh and the broader U.S. context.
The first week will include a series of kick-off events including: View all sponsored HHM 2020 programs.
We invite all members of the Pitt community and community at-large to submit artifacts relevant to aspects of their Hispanic/Latina/o/e/x racial, ethnic, and cultural identity as a part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Artifact Showcase
If you have questions, ideas, or want to get more involved with HHM 2020, please contact Dr. Gina Garcia at ggarcia@pitt.edu
Thank you for your support of our racially and ethnically minoritized community at Pitt, and we look forward to your engagement in HHM 2020. #SomosPitt | | | Hispanic Latino Professional Association
Pitt's Hispanic Latino Professional Association (HLPA) is proud to co-sponsor this year's HHM programs. HLPA is a professional network for Hispanic / Latinx faculty, staff, and allies, and has numerous goals including providing a forum for understanding issues of concern to the Hispanic / Latinx professional community, assisting the University in recruiting and retaining Hispanic / Latinx faculty and staff, and providing networking and professional development opportunities for Hispanic / Latinx faculty and staff.
Currently, there is a Latinx Cluster Hiring Committee at Pitt spearheaded by HLPA's Executive Sponsor, Dr. Ariel Armony, that is working to recruit and hire significantly more faculty to the University who are focused on Latinx issues. It is HLPA's hope, and those of the Provost's Office, that bringing stronger awareness to the Latinx community and their needs will support efforts to successfully recruit and retain Latinx students and staff. | | | HLPA's Digital Uplift Maintains Connections During Remote Work
Over the summer and fall, HLPA has also been working on building up its membership base and presence on Pitt's new networking platform, Pitt Commons. Facing the transition to remote work for most University employees, the leadership team wanted to be sure not to lose connection with its members. After some brainstorming, the team mobilized around an uplift of HLPA's Pitt Commons space as the hub of (virtual) activity going forward. "We were impressed with Pitt Commons' capability as a 'one-stop shop' for managing our membership and email communications as well as posting discussions and events. The fact that Pitt Commons was already designed exclusively for people affiliated with Pitt to connect and to establish networking / mentoring relationships made it a perfect fit for our digital uplift," said HLPA's Tom Davis.
Embracing the Provost's vision for 2020-21 as the Year of Engagement, HLPA got a jump start in April by facilitating several online discussions, hosting its first virtual Community Lunchtime Gathering, and connecting members with an opportunity to support students in the after-school program at the Latino Community Center of Pittsburgh.
To help drive engagement in the HLPA Pitt Commons space, the leadership team had the group's existing membership uploaded to Pitt Commons, and going forward, new members will have an even easier path to getting involved. HLPA's Stephanie Crespo noted, "the 'Join Group' button in Pitt Commons is a convenient way for new members to get engaged, and the discussion board helps us promote Hispanic / Latinx news, share ideas, and overall engage the HLPA community." Even though the group misses its frequent in-person get-togethers on campus, the disruption has created new digital opportunities for everyone to stay connected." | | | Supporting Local Hispanic / Latinx Restaurants
Several, local Hispanic / Latinx restaurants are offering food and beverage discounts in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.
View the list of participating restaurants and associated discounts.
Your support is appreciated! #SomosPitt | | | | | |
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