Enacted into law in 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th and runs through October 15th each year, and provides a time to reflect on the multitude of contributions the Hispanic and Latinx communities have given to shape American society. This month begins by celebrating the Independence Days of five Central American countries, and also includes the Independence Days for Chile, Belize, and Mexico later in September.
With National Hispanic Heritage Month now upon us, it is important that we as a community at CRJ, take some time to reflect on the significance of this month and what it means not just for the Hispanic community, but for our entire Cristo Rey family. CRJ serves students from a wide variety of backgrounds, with deep roots in the Hispanic and Latinx communities of Baltimore, and want to take this time to celebrate Hispanic hope and heritage.
At Cristo Rey Jesuit we strive to educate our scholars so that they will continue to empower one another and make a difference for all people within the city of Baltimore. As we engage our students in a variety of activities throughout the month, we will challenge them to think outside of themselves so that they may continue to carry their acknowledgment for our Hispanic sisters and brothers into their communities.
Students will begin the month with the annual students versus staff soccer game in Patterson Park and will show off their soccer spirit by wearing their favorite soccer jersey during the school day. We will also be hosting a movie night featuring ”In the Heights” as well as a school dance to end the month’s celebrations.
As President George H.W. Bush stated, “Not all of the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to our society are so visible or so widely celebrated, however, Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation beyond measure,” and here at Cristo Rey Jesuit we will continue to honor those contributions as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
