The University of Hartford is in solidarity this month with the celebration of Hispanic/Indigenous Latinx Heritage month Kicking off on September 15th and concluding October 15th. This time is the allowance for many of our schools Indigenous/Latinx students to embrace their Latin roots and honor the various Independence nations like Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua fought for from the three century Rule of Spain within Latin America!

I had the opportunity to sit down with a few Latinx students and ask them about the significance of this month to them. Junior here at University of Hartford, Araselys Farrell of Mexican and Puerto Rican lineage, explained to me the significance of this month held to her and her family:

“Hispanic heritage month is important to me because Hispanics are never really represented much and it’s good to be able to have a whole month where we are able to celebrate and educate others about our culture. I celebrate by cooking and eating my favorite Hispanic meals with my family.”

A close friend to mine, Jason Lyons, of Guatemalan descent, attending Framingham State University (Massachusetts) elaborated further on the importance of Hispanic heritage month for him:

Hispanic heritage month to me is a celebration of who I am. As well as all other Hispanics/Latino(a)’s…it always remind me to take a step back to reflect on the importance of being proud of who I am…Every year since I was 10 I have always celebrated Hispanic heritage month by listening to some of my countries music (which would be Guatemala) and eat rice and beans for dinner!”

As for me, I have been lucky to attend Rhode Island’s yearly Guatemalan Festival, surrounded by a variety of Guatemalan music, clothing, and food that has kept the spirits of Maya alive since the beginning of their civilization!

The Hartford Informer is wishing love and happiness for every Indigenous/Latinx this Hispanic Heritage month.