Hispanic Heritage Month — commonly referred to as Latinx History Month — is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The event, which spans from September 15 to October 15, commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the LBA is proud to celebrate the cultures, contributions and resilience of Latinx, Hispanic and Latino-identified communities around the world.
From Students to Lawyers Event
Celebrating 20 Years of the Central High School Pipeline Program
In fall 2001, the Brandeis School of Law formed a partnership with Central High School. This fall celebrates the 20th anniversary of that partnership which built on the existing Summer Law Internships that the Louisville Bar Association had developed in 1992.
On October 13, the LBA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee will host a program featuring the stories of the 15 Central High School graduates who have received law degrees or who are currently in law school. The program will coincide with a celebration of Hispanic History Month.
This program will be both in-person and via Zoom.
Educational Resources:
ABA Webinar: Helping Dreamers Realize Their Dreams - the Nuts and Bolts of DACA
This seminar is for attorneys who are interested in gaining experience in immigration law, specifically in representing children and young adults through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Herencia: Centuries of Spanish Legal Documents
The Library of Congress purchased the Spanish Legal Documents in 1941, as “a collection of covenants of judicial contests between people, noble men and civil and religious institutions in Spain – Reales Cédulas –Pragmáticas Reales of the XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries.” The majority of the materials were printed using handset type on handmade paper, though it also includes handwritten manuscripts.
ABA Webinar: The Hispanic LGBTQ+ Community - One Year After Bostock
While Hispanics comprise the largest minority segment of the LGBTQ+ population in the United States, they often face unique challenges coming out to their families, reconciling their faith and experiencing discrimination in employment and other basic programs and services. Last year, the Supreme Court decided a trio of Title VII cases that banned employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Understanding Justice Sotomayor
Explore Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's legal opinions, writings and confirmation documents. Justice Sotomayor is the first Hispanic American appointed to the United States Supreme Court and the Court's third female Justice.
Latinos in the United States: Overcoming Legal Obstacles, Engaging in Civil Life
This report presents preliminary information for the ABA's consideration, with the goal of providing a foundation upon which to expand on the work that has been started during the past years. The witnesses and stakeholders who provided valuable information to the Commission expect that their hopes were not misplaced that the ABA would take the lead in addressing these difficult issues. These individuals and organizations candidly described the challenges facing Latino lawyers, clients, and members of the broader Latino Community.
Add to your reading list: Latinos and American Law - Landmark Supreme Court Cases by Carlos R. Soltero
A historical overview and analysis of fourteen landmark Supreme Court cases that have significantly affected Latino rights in such areas as education, the administration of criminal justice, voting rights, employment and immigration.
Celebrate Locally: Hispanic Heritage Month Concert at 4th Street Live!
September 24th – tickets available online
