National Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of U.S. citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Sept. 15 is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept.18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, on Oct. 12 falls within this 30-day period.

Many special events are planned by Ripon College during the month:

• Tuesday, Sept. 19: An open dialogue about what happened with D.A.C.A. and what happens next. Will begin at 6 p.m. in Pickard Dining Room, S.N. Pickard Commons.
• Wednesday, Sept. 27: Face to Face, an open and honest conversation centered around race, gender and sexuality, 5:30 p.m. in room B12, in front of Student Activities Office, S.N. Pickard Commons.
• Monday, Oct. 2, through Friday, Oct. 6: Where I Stand campaign, during lunch and dinner hours in the Commons. Stop by, sign your name, take a picture, and show where you stand with undocumented inmmagrants.
• Tuesday, Oct. 10: Café con leche Study Session, 6 p.m., main lounge of Johnson Hall. Stop by and pick up a cup of coffee and Hispanic-based pastries as you study for your midterms.