Latin(x/e) Heritage Month, also known as Hispanic Heritage Month, is observed from September 15 through October 15 and recognizes the culture, history, struggle, contributions, and achievements of Latin(x/e) Americans.
To celebrate, students, educators, district staff, families, and members of the Board of Education gathered Friday for a special flag-raising ceremony at the Ed Center. This is the first time a celebration of this kind has been held in honor of Latin(x/e) Heritage Month.
The commemorative flag raised at district headquarters represents the diversity within the Latin(x/e) community and signifies San Diego Unified’s commitment to recognizing students of all backgrounds and teaching about the importance of understanding different cultures.
The student-led celebration lifted the voices of students of all ages from across the district as they shared their orgullo por su raza, personal experiences, and the significance of the district honoring their heritage.
“As a Latina student, I am unashamed to represent and share nuestra cultura - whether it’s through generational traditions, music or activism,” said Adelina, a student at San Diego High School. “I am so incredibly proud and honored to step into positions and be present in the spaces that my Mexican ancestors fought so hard for me to occupy. I truly am my ancestors' wildest dreams.”
The event also featured performances by the Hoover High School Mariachi band and a musical grupo called Clave Distinta made up of students from Mission Bay High School and Madison High School.
On Tuesday, September 12, the Board of Education adopted a resolution formally recognizing Latin(x/e) Heritage Month. The resolution and flag-raising coincides with the beginning of the heritage month, a period of time intrinsically linked to the independence anniversaries of several Latin American nations.
San Diego Unified encourages everyone in our community to use this opportunity to honor the contributions of the Latin(x/e) population through student-led activities and inclusive curriculum.
Please explore the Latin(x/e) Heritage Month Resource Guide from the Equity & Belonging Division, which provides materials to learn more about Latin(x/e) culture, including background on where the Latin(x/e) term originated, and books from notable authors.
