September 2023 – CANR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual observance that runs from September 15 to October 15. During this time, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrates the contributions of Hispanic Americans to agriculture, nutrition, food, development, and natural resources.

According to the Census Bureau, there were over 62 million Hispanics and Latinos living on the U.S. mainland and 3.3 million living in Puerto Rico in 2021. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities projects that the Hispanic and Latino share of the labor force will reach 35.9 million in 2030, accounting for 78% of the net new workers between 2020 and 2030.

History of Hispanic Heritage Month

The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill to extend the celebration to a month-long event, starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. The date of September 15 is significant because it marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

The 2023 Theme

The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.” This theme recognizes the immense economic and political strides made by Hispanic Americans and their contributions to the prosperity and progress of the country. It is an opportunity to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic Americans and to promote inclusivity and unity in building a stronger nation.

Important role in natural resources

Hispanic Americans have played an important role in the conservation and management of natural resources in the United States. They have worked to protect and preserve the land, water, and wildlife of the country, and they have helped to develop policies and programs that promote sustainable resource use.

The Hispanic Special Emphasis Program was established by a Presidential Directive in 1970 as a Sixteen Point Program for Spanish Speaking Americans. It was created to ensure that the needs of Hispanic Americans were met in all aspects of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) programs and services.

Supporting minority-serving colleges and universities to build their capacity in food and agriculture disciplines, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awards education grants to Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSIs).

Time to celebrate

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States. It is an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Hispanic Americans and to recognize their important role in shaping the country. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we can promote inclusivity and unity and build a stronger nation.

Resources

24 Activities To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (2023)

Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants (HSI) Program

Latinx Agricultural Network

National Hispanic Heritage Month website

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Rosh Hashanah is a very important holiday in the Jewish faith. In the Jewish faith, people celebrate Rosh Hashanah on the first and second days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar, as it marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The holiday commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period that ends with Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah will begin at sunset on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, and continue through sundown on Sunday, Sept. 17.

In Israel, Rosh Hashanah is a public holiday, and many businesses and schools are closed. Families gather for festive meals, and many people attend synagogue services.

Customs, Symbols, and Traditions

There are many customs, symbols, and traditions associated with Rosh Hashanah. Some of them are:

Preparing during the Hebrew month of Elul
Festive dinner with family or friends before attending services at a synagogue that night and again the following day
Attending services at a synagogue
Blowing the shofar in the synagogue
Eating symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey, pomegranates, and round challah bread

Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Jewish faith. It is a time to think about the past year and ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoing. The customs, symbols, and traditions connected to the holiday aid Jews in purifying and rejuvenating themselves spiritually for the upcoming year.

Resources to teach about Rosh Hashanah