During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latine/x Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Throughout this time, i3b, UMBC and the country celebrates the important contributions, heritage, and culture of all Hispanics and Latine/x in the United States. 

Our Hispanic and Latine/x community has profoundly and positively influenced our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

So why does Hispanic Heritage Month start in the middle of September and end in Mid-October?

Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.

The term Hispanic, refers to the racially and ethnically group of folkswho are from hispanophone (Spanish Speaking) countries that were historically colonized by Spain. This term is inclusive to those who also from Spanish origin. The term Latino however excludes Spain, but includes non-Spanish speaking Latin American countries such as Belize, Brazil, Guyana, and Haiti. Please note that even if folks may have ethnic roots from Latin America, they may identify as either, neither or both Hispanic and/or Latino/e/x.

Share in this special annual tribute by learning and celebrating the generations of Hispanic and Latine/x Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Curious about the term Latinx? Please click here.

We are excited to share about events The Mosaic is sponsoring/co-sponsoring during this Heritage Month! 

Music & The Mosaic

Wednesday, September 18 | 12pm - 1:15pm | 2B23 The Mosaic

Hear Our Stories: Celebrating Hispanic & Latine/x Heritage Month 

Wednesday, September 25 | 11:30am - 1pm | The Commons Mainstreet (in front of the Bookstore)

Bachata & Salsa Night 

Friday, September 27 | 6pm - 8pm | The RAC

*This event requires sneakers 

Read about the Presidential proclamation for Hispanic & Latine/x Heritage Month 2024 here!

Learn more about National Hispanic & Latine/x Heritage Month at the official website here.

We are excited to kick off the Fall 2024 semester with exciting programs for August and September! All of us at i3b wish you the best as the semester starts. 

The upcoming events we have in store for August are: 

• i3b Open Houses | Wednesday, August 28 | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m 

• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being | The Center for Well-Being (CWB) 103 

• The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity | The Commons 2B23

• The Gathering Space Welcome Back Event | Wednesday, August 28 | 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

For September: 

• The Gathering Space

• Weekly Yoga in The Gathering Space | Wednesdays in CWB 103 | 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. 

• The Mosaic 

• Music & The Mosaic | September 9 | 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | The Commons 2B23 

• Chai Chats with Meghna | September 20 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. | The Commons 2B23

• Hear Our Stores: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Children’s Literature 

• September 25 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Mainstreet in front of The Bookstore 

• Bachata/Salsa Night 

• September 27 | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | The RAC 

Interested in learning more about the other Interested in identity-based spaces of i3b? Check out our myUMBC pages below: 

• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being (i3b)

• The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity (i3b) 

• Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b)

• The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity (i3b)