MATC proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the significant influence and contributions of Latino and Hispanic communities to American society. The festivities for Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 began on September 13 with MATC’s fourth annual HSI Day of Engagement and concluded with coffee from a Latino-owned coffee truck on October 16. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Committee, Latinx Unidos Student Organization and Student Life collaborated to host over 20 events aimed at celebrating and educating the community about Hispanic culture worldwide.
Hispanic Heritage Month actually originated as a weeklong observance in 1968. This initiative gained traction during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, when there was an increased demand for the United States to acknowledge the diverse cultures that have played a vital role in shaping American society.
Why September 15?
Hispanic Heritage Month was strategically timed to align with the celebration of Independence Day in several Latin American countries. September 15 was selected because it marks the Independence Day festivities of five Central American nations: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
At MATC, we encourage our faculty, staff and students to embrace this month with joy, indulging in delicious food, music and festivities, while also remembering the rich heritage, stories, traditions and lived experiences of those who have contributed to American society and the world at large. We are dedicated to celebrating culture and ensuring that MATC remains a welcoming environment where Latino and Hispanic communities can thrive and succeed. We look forward to celebrating again in 2025.