AADC Recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15, 2020
The AADC proudly honors National Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes and celebrates the contributions made to American society and culture by Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. 
It is a special time to remember and honor Hispanic and Latinx alumnae who are part of our AADC alumnae sisterhood. We especially take this time to recognize their involvement and contributions to our AADC alumnae community. We also acknowledge the late Sophy Hernandez Cornwell '42, the first Latina alumna, pictured here from her college days.
 
Through our AADC Excellence in Inclusion and Equity Initiative that began last year, we offer a series of conversations through now-virtual workshops. Dr. Debra Perez ’84, the former Vice President of Organizational Culture, Inclusion & Equity at Simmons University, seeded this important initiative through her generosity and also presented two AADC virtually-hosted workshops on anti-racism in June. These programs provide a place to build on the intrinsic trust among alumnae to discuss how we can advance equity and inclusion in the context of uncomfortable realities. Through these opportunities, we as individuals will be better able to recognize situations of exclusion and feel more empowered to use our influence to help others gain access. Latina alumnae interested in connecting and networking with each other and with the AADC, please contact us.
 
Stay healthy, stay strong and stay hopeful.
 
In Sisterhood,
Valerie L. Anderson ’81, MBA
AADC Executive Director
History of National Hispanic Heritage Month
 
Today’s National Hispanic Heritage Month observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, it was expanded to a month-long celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15. September 15 is an historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period also recognizes those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
 
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic and Latinx people, some 60.6 million, comprise the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority at nearly 19% of the nation’s total population. States with a population of 1 million or more Hispanic residents include New Jersey, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas.