September is Hispanic Heritage Month!
In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, learn about the experiences, contributions, cultures, and histories of the Hispanic community in the United States through a variety of public humanities programs hosted by or conducted by the state humanities council community.
In Kansas, explore the Latino immigration experience in “Latino Stories of Kansas,” a statewide project that seeks to “deepen the public’s knowledge and appreciation of the vital connections between democracy, the humanities, journalism, and an informed citizen through the lens of Latino immigration to Kansas.” This program is part of the nationwide “Democracy and the Informed Citizen” initiative administered by the Federation and supported by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Stories within this project include “Flour Power,” which details how Mexican immigration to rural America evolved cultural cuisines, specifically tortillas, and an interactive presentation, “They Changed My Name / Cambiaron Mi Nombre,” that uses art and poetry to immerse participants in the dynamics of immigration, belonging and place.
In Minnesota, the council highlights Hispanic heritage through a five part video series that documents the cultural and economic contributions of Minnesota’s Latino community. Connecticut Humanities also produced a video series in partnership with Connecticut Public Television that highlights the state’s cultural heritage, including the state’s Puerto Rican community, in “Puerto Rican Passage.” And in Delaware, the council presents Latin American history, anthropology, geography, language, and music disciplines in “Diversity in Latin America,” which combines images of people and places and allows teachers to customize the content.
Across the country, on the west coast, California Humanities is supporting a number of programs throughout the year that highlight and discuss the Hispanic experience from an oral history exhibit, which runs through January 2020, to several film screenings, including the council-supported documentaries, “THE PUSHOUTS” and “Adios Amor: The Search for Maria Moreno.” Additionally, the council is hosting a three-part public conversation, screening and storytelling series entitled, “The Chicharrón Chronicles,” which explore the colonial legacy of Spain and commonalities between people of Filipino and Latino descent.
Elsewhere, councils are using stories to showcase Hispanic culture, heritage, and experiences. Oregon Humanities’ prize-winning program, “This Land,” features More Than Words, a story that details the experiences of three families in rural Oregon. In Colorado, the council hosts “Hispanic Heritage Live,” which sheds light on the deported Mexican citizens omitted in the 1948 media coverage of a fatal US-Mexico flight. And, in Washington, the council explores immigration through the Gil family story in “From Mexican to Mexican-American: A Family Immigration Story.”
IMAGE SOURCE: Humanities Kansas
