Hispanic Heritage Month is a month long observance (September 15 - Oct. 15) when America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America, and the Latin Caribbean. VCU Libraries is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting a special exhibit on resources in our collections relating to Hispanic history and culture.
On display on the fourth floor of the James Branch Cabell Library are a sample of the many books the library houses on Latin American society, including the recently published Latinos in Dixie: Class and Assimilation in Richmond, Virginia. It is the first scholarly monograph to focus on the Latino community in Richmond. From language use, ethnic customs, and family life to workplace dynamics and, ultimately, political and religious participation, this book explores what Latinos experience in moving to Richmond and what they bring to a city previously marked only by a black and white ethnic divide.
A panel discussion exploring Hispanic immigration to Virginia will be held at the Library of Virginia on Sept. 30th.
Also on display are two of the first Spanish language newspapers to be published in Virginia. Complete runs of the newspapers El Eco de Virginia and El Sol were donated to VCU Libraries in 2006. The issues were microfilmed and added to the Virginia State Newspaper Project. The newspapers can be accessed in Cabell Library's Special Collections and Archives department or on microfilm on the third floor of the library.
Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded to a 30-day period under President Ronald Reagan in 1988. September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua -- all of which declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Please visit the James Branch Cabell Library's exhibit area, located on the fourth floor of the library, to view this exhibit and others that highlight many of the diverse collections housed in the VCU Libraries.