Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans from the middle of September to the middle of October, celebrates the cultures and contributions of the diverse groups of people broadly identifying or categorized as Hispanic.

The 30-day period incorporates the declared independence of Mexico and Chile and the independence days of five Latin American countries. The month-long celebration is also a time to reflect on the contributions of Hispanics to the American fabric.

“Hispanics have been here influencing American culture for a long time just through their presence,” said Outreach Specialist Claudia Guzman of the Roberto Hernandez Center “... Just having come here and creating communities has an influence on the American landscape.”

Today, one in 10 people in Milwaukee is Hispanic. Nationally, over 42.7 million Hispanics and Latinos call America home. At 14 percent of the population, people of Hispanic origin contribute greatly to American culture.

UWM is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with numerous activities. Below are some of the ways students may immerse themselves in Hispanic culture.

Oct. 7: Chicago’s Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum

RHC offers free transportation and admission to Chicago’s Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum for the Día de Los Muertos exhibit. The Day of the Dead exhibit shows how Mexicans celebrate their ancestors through this holiday’s specific form of art.

Oct. 11: Dr. Enrique Figueroa speaks

Dr. Enrique Figueroa will educate the public from his perspective as a member of the Mexican Presidential Observer from the International Institute for Democracy. Figueroa was in Mexico for the presidential election controversy, reminiscent of the 2001 Gore/Bush election controversy.

Figueroa, of the RHC, reminds us that Hispanic heritage month “is time of year where everybody contributes ... to a subculture of American culture ... (to) bridge efforts to celebrate together.” Everyone is invited to “celebrate our heritage in a number of ways: musically, educationally and artistically,” Figueroa said.

Oct. 12: Isla Adentro at the Gasthaus

The Latin music series welcomes Isla Adentro to the Gasthaus. Isla Adentro plays salsa, merengue, cumbia and other Caribbean and Latin flavors with lyrics in English and Spanish. The 13-piece ensemble has been traveling across the Midwest from their Milwaukee home for eight years.

Oct. 13: Latin jazz artist Bobby Sanabria

The blending of Hispanic and American culture is heard in the Latin jazz music of Bobby Sanabria. His Afro-Cuban drumming has won him many awards over the years. A one-night-only performance at the Latino Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 13, costs $10 for students; $20 for non-students.

Through Oct. 15: The Roberto Hernandez Center

The Roberto Hernandez Center (RHC) connects the UWM and Latino communities. The RHC sponsors numerous Hispanic Heritage Month artistic and cultural events to entertain and educate. If you haven’t seen the free movies, low rider exhibition, festival or parade there are still many opportunities to try something new.

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