Towards the end of the Civil Rights Movement, the presence of the Hispanic and Latinx community within the United States was more visible than ever before. And with this, a strong push to recognize the contributions and influence of the Latinx community lead to the first observance of a National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. 20 years later, this week was expanded to a month-long celebration from September 15 – October 15 to coincide with the national independence days in several Latin American countries. Today, we commemorate the culture, history, and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx Americans as they continue to inspire and uplift others.

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, learn more about some of Boston University’s own alumni, events, and resources that continue to strengthen and highlight the Hispanic and Latinx community.

Alumni Spotlights

Lina González-Granados (CFA’20)

Philadelphia Orchestra Conducting Fellow, Lina González-Granados, gained a Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from BU in 2020. Since then she’s been creating a name for herself within the male-dominated field of the music industry. As featured in a recent New York Times article, Lina is paving the way for both female and Latinx conductors with her outstanding work.

Andres Vargas (CAS ‘15)

Andy X. Vargas founded the Boston University Political Action Organization (BUPAO) during his time at BU to bring together students and faculty in pursuing political change. Today, Andy continues to serve his community and provide opportunities to others through his roles as a member of the BU’s Latinx & Hispanic Leadership Council and current State Representative of the 3rd Essex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He was also the recipient of the 2020 Young Alumni Award.

Claudia Barrios (Questrom’94)

While pursuing her undergraduate at BU, Claudia Barrios made it part of her life’s goal to start a scholarship program for Latina students to get an education without the financial burden she had endured. Now, as a philanthropist and Financial Journalist at Thomson Financial Services and Dow Jones, Claudia works on developing opportunities for college access to minority students, including an ongoing fund for undergraduate Latina students at her own alma mater. She also currently serves as a co-chair on BU’s Latinx & Hispanic Leadership Council.

Events at BU

Latin-American Art Songs Recital & Fall Welcome Reception

September 29 at 5 pm ET | Register here
The Center for Latin American Studies presents the Latin American Art Songs Recital and Welcome Event at the Marsh Chapel. Colombian tenor David Guzman, Assistant Professor of Music and Voice at BU’s College of Fine Arts will perform from his repertoire of Latin-American songs alongside CFA colleague Douglas Sumi.

Latino & Hispanic Industry Networking Night for Students and Alumni

October 5 at 7 pm ET | Register here
Hosted by the Latinx & Hispanic Leadership Council, this event will allow Boston University students and alumni to build connections and have meaningful conversations.

The Cuban Hustle: Culture, Politics, and Everyday Life

October 14 at 5 pm ET | Register here
Join Professor of Sociology at the University of Sydney, Sujatha Fernandes, as she presents her newest book, The Cuban Hustle. In her latest work, Fernandes explores the many ways that Cubans have hustled to survive and express themselves from the Soviet Union’s collapse to the present day.

On-demand webinars

Social-Cultural Impact of COVID-19 in the LatinX Community

View recording
The Latinx community is among the most infected by the various social, economic, health, and family disruptions caused by COVID-19. Listen as featured speakers Luz M López, a Clinical Professor at Boston University School of Social Work and alumnus Wilfred W. Labiosa, Ph.D. (CAS’93) discuss strategies and public health policies that can assist and support the Latinx community.

Latinxcellence: A conversation with rising stars

View recording
Three incredible alumni, Maribel Dominguez (Questrom’09, CAS’09), Natalia Mercado Violand, Esq., (Wheelockᴳ’14, LAW’18), and Steve Ramirez, (CAS’10) give insight about their careers and how they made their ways onto Forbes and El Mundo Boston “30 under 30” lists.

TV’s Pose and the impact of Black and Latinx LGBTQ

View Recording
College of Communications professors Roy Grundman and Maura Smith discuss the history, impact, and importance of Black and Latinx LGBTQ representation in film and television.

Additional resources

Looking for other ways to learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month? Browse these additional resources to find out how to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx culture through this season and beyond.

Dive deeper into the experiences of the Latinx community by exploring this list of Books for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Spanning various genres from horror to romance to non-fiction, this compilation of books by Latinx authors has something for everyone. And if you do choose to add any of these stories to your collection, consider buying from a local Latinx-owned Bookstore.

Whether or not you are musically inclined, you can also enjoy this selection of favorite Latin American songs. As music has such as strong influence on Latin American culture, this playlist can help you better understand Latinx art and celebrate it beyond October 15th. Know of a Latinx/Hispanic BU alum musician who should be added to the list? Submit it here.

Initiatives at BU

Explore how these groups, centers, and initiatives help to empower and broaden opportunities for Hispanic and Latinx communities at Boston University.

The Center for Latin American Studies

In 2017, the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) was founded under the leadership of Spanish professor Aldela Pineda. The interdisciplinary Latin American studies program is one of few in America of its caliber.

Latinx & Hispanic Leadership Council

The Council works to grow opportunities for Latinx and Hispanic communities while also maximizing Latinx and Alumni alumni participation at BU.

Alianza Latina

Boston University’s largest Latinx organization, Alianza Latina provides a space for Latinx students to gather and build community with one another.

Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground

Centered around Dr. Thurman’s philosophy of self-exploration, the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground seeks to build community between students through conversation and the creation of meaningful shared experiences.

Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Boston University

The Office helps foster a culture that values and supports diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all of the University’s 17 schools and colleges.