GovState Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month
Nationally recognized as Hispanic Heritage month
Sept. 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic “Latinx” Heritage Month, which ends Oct. 15. This observation began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week. President Ronald Reagan expanded it in 1988 to include a 30-day period. The Public Law 100-402 approved it and it was made law on August 17, 1988.
Today, many universities and community colleges have transitioned to using the term “Latinx” instead of “Hispanic” to be more intersectional. Generally, the term “Hispanic” refers to people and culture, related to Spain and Spanish-speaking countries.
The term Latinx is a more intersectional approach and includes Latin American countries like Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana where Spanish is not the primary language. The term Latinx also better represents individuals who have roots in Latin American countries but were born in the United States and don’t speak Spanish. For the Latin queer community, Latinx is a gender-neutral term with which all can identify.
To support Latinx students, GovState is building a Latinx Resource Center (LRC) of which Emmanuel (Manny) Lopez is the inaugural Director.
The LRC will be an enclosed space (inside the University Library) where students can feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Students will be able to make 1:1 appointments, study, find bilingual resources, meet other students, and enjoy all types of workshops throughout the year.
The LRC is also launching the Latinx Employee Resource Group (Latinx ERG) that will meet once a month to help increase belonging for staff, faculty, administration, and students. Contact Lopez if you identify as Latino/a/x and are interested in learning more: elopez6@govst.edu
Learn more about GSU’s Latinx community and resources by attending the first AY 23-24 Lunch and Learn where Lopez will present:
Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 12:45 p.m.
Room: D34000
Click here to view a list of GovState events celebrating Latinx Heritage.
To learn more about the history behind the evolution of these terms (Hispanic, Latino, Chicano, and Latinx) visit the following link: https://www.history.com/news/hispanic-latino-latinx-chicano-background.