It is that time of year again when we celebrate all that Hispanic culture has contributed to our nation. September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. We set aside these 30 days each year to appreciate how wonderful our society is because of the large Hispanic population we have. 

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the long and important presence of Hispanics in North America. If we truly looked at how America has changed over time, then we would be astonished to see how much just one culture has shaped America for the better.

This month we are praising the people who give so much to our American society and have brought to our culture so many different and sensational things. America is not America without Latin culture. However, for all the celebration this month promises, the question arises: how can we expect Americans to celebrate the accomplishments of a group of people that they still meet with such disdain?

With constant news coverage on the large amount of Hispanic immigrating to America, I feel as though we as a nation overlook the good involved in their presence here. We should be celebrating all the wonderful things that Hispanics contribute to America, instead of expressing the hatred many Americans have toward Latinos. Unlike Black History Month, which still doesn’t get the amount of attention it deserves, Hispanic Heritage Month receives limited attention nationally and locally.

I feel the recognition around these 30 days celebrating Hispanic Culture in the United States has grown over time, but not enough. I went through 13 years of schooling and never celebrated or really knew that there was a month that recognized Hispanics in America. My lack of knowledge is not hard to believe when it seems that all you hear is constant negativity towards that specific group of people.

I didn’t realize there was a month dedicated to Hispanics in America until I came to N.C . State. For several days this month you can go to events and learn about Hispanic culture and all it has to offer; however, it is still not enough. 

Despite NCSU’s large population, not many students come to these programs and learn something new about Hispanic culture. I have confidence that one of the main reasons for poor attendance is because of the negativity surrounding Hispanics in America today.

Although there is not a large Hispanic population on NCSU’s campus, we as a school need to do more to increase our knowledge of Hispanic culture. This education should not only be pursued by the small amount of students for whom Hispanic culture has a direct impact. All of the University’s students should be active in their pursuit of knowledge, if for no other reason than the fact that Hispanic culture is slowly but surely becoming a part of American life.