Cal State San Bernardino celebrates the richness of its diverse university community when it hosts a series of events and activities for Hispanic Heritage Month, which officially begins on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15.

The objective of Hispanic Heritage Month is to provide the CSUSB community with the chance to explore and become immersed in Hispanic and Latinx culture via different points of reference.

One of the major highlights of the month is LEAD Summit XV, an annual gathering that focuses on educational issues facing, and being met by, the Latinx community, featuring speakers, panel discussions and cultural programming. This years’ theme is "15ñera for Justice: Divina Juventud: From Innocence to Resistance." Set for 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in the SMSU South Events Center, the summit is free to attend. Register online.

For a listing of other events planned, visit the Hispanic Heritage Month webpage, and be sure to check back often for updates. Some of the highlights for Hispanic Heritage Month include:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: ¡Bienvenida! Welcome Celebration, presented by the Association of Latino Faculty, Staff & Students (ALFSS), at the SMSU North Conference Center. RSVP online. For students, faculty and staff at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, the event will be livestreamed at the Mary Stuart Rogers Gateway Lounge, with 100 tamales from Las Carretas delivered. Information:  Iwona-Maria Luczkiewicz Contreras, ALFSS director of programs, at icontrer@csusb.edu, Stacey Ortiz, ALFSS president, at Stacey.Ortiz@csusb.edu
  • Wednesday, Sept. 16, Noon-2 p.m.: Papel Picado for Hispanic Heritage Month, SMSU South Boardroom. An arts and crafts class with all supplies provided. Information: Sonia.Martinez@csusb.edu
  • Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2-4 p.m.: La Noche de Trivia at the Latinx Center, SMSU North third floor. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a friendly trivia game with free food, prizes and music. Information: Michelle.Marin-Martinez@csusb.edu
  • Thursday, Sept. 24, Noon-1 p.m.: Unidos en el Ritmo (Zumba) at the Palm Desert Campus in the Indian Wells Theater. Goodie bags with Gatorade, protein bars and cooling towels will be provided.
  • Monday, Sept. 28, Noon-1 p.m.: Latino Baseball History Book Project Giveaway at the John M. Pfau Library and Palm Desert Campus Library. A giveaway of books featuring photographs of Southern California Latino Baseball Leagues from the CSUSB Libraries premier special collection. Contact: rebecca.lubas@csusb.edu
  • Tuesday, Sept. 29, 5-7 p.m.: Noche De Juegos at the Palm Desert Campus in the Rancho Mirage Student Center, Mary Stuart Rogers Gateway Building. A night of games, painting and food.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 7, Noon-2 p.m.: G.A.Y - Queer & Brown Origins of Alt Subcultures at the Queer and Transgender Resource Center, SMSU North 3315. Learn about how queer and Latiné communities have shaped Goth, Emo and alternative subcultures. Information: Michelle.Marin-Martinez@csusb.edu
  • Thursday, Oct. 8, Noon-1:30 p.m.: Breaking Barriers Through: Cumbia at the SMSU South Fourplex. Ever been to a baile? Join the LatinX Center in learning about different dance styles and the rich culture behind them. Information: Michelle.Marin-Martinez@csusb.edu.
  • Monday, Oct. 12, Noon-1:30 p.m.: Next Step: Latinx Futures Mixer at the SMSU North Conference Centers C and D. Meet faculty and staff from a variety of career pathways at an event that highlights Latinx representation in higher roles. This is a space for students to connect, learn, and envision their futures. Information: Michelle.Marin-Martinez@csusb.edu
  • Thursday, Oct. 15, Noon-2 p.m.: “Hey, Miss: Unveiling Learning's Promise” book talk and signing with CSUSB alumna Jacqueline Mantz Rodriguez at the John M. Pfau Library, room PL-4005. 

Hispanic Heritage Week was established by legislation sponsored by Rep. Edward R. Roybal (D-Los Angeles) and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. The commemorative week was expanded by legislation sponsored by then-U.S. Rep. Esteban Edward Torres (D-Pico Rivera) and implemented by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). The bill died in committee, but in 1988, U.S. Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois re-submitted an amended version, which was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988.

Sept. 15 of every year was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, who all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16, Sept. 18 and Sept. 21, respectively.