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For the month of October 2007,
our SIRS databases spotlight
several themes
from their unique perspectives.
SIRS Knowledge Source®
National Hispanic Awareness Month is an annual celebration of the culture, traditions, achievements and heritage of Hispanic Americans.
Beginning on September 15 each year, in honor of the anniversary of several Latin American nations' independence, National Hispanic Awareness Month was created as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and expanded to a month-long observance in 1988. Hispanic Americans, the largest minority group in the United States since 2002, play a prominent role in all facets of American society and culture.
Not only have Hispanic Americans shaped popular culture, but their increasing representation in government and the media highlights their larger influence on American life in general. SIRS Spotlight of the Month commemorates the myriad contributions of Hispanic Americans and emphasizes the diversity of Hispanic culture in the United States.
Learn more about notable Hispanic Americans and trace Hispanic culture's unique impact on the American experience in such articles as:
ARTICLES
1. Hispanic Americans Contributing to the American Mosaic
2. A Nueva Generation Is Poised to Shape Pop Culture
3. Hi$panic Women Exerting Economic Influence
4. Hispanic America: The Last 100 Years
5. Dreamer from Cuba
WEB SITE
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Source: National Park Service (NPS)
Read more articles from our Spotlights by logging on to our SIRS Knowledge Source® feature page. Note that the new month's content will not appear until the first of the month.
SIRS Discoverer®
Hispanic Americans hail from a variety of cultural backgrounds and nations, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and countries in the South and Central Americas. Some may even trace their ancestors as far back as the Spanish explorers and conquistadors of the 15th century!
Together, Hispanic Americans comprise the largest minority group in the United States, and their heritage has greatly influenced American life and culture. We pay tribute to Hispanic Americans' contributions, achievements, and traditions each year during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15. Created in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, the annual celebration was expanded to one month in 1988.
The SIRS Discoverer Spotlight of the Month honors the vital role of Hispanic Americans in American society, and explores the diverse traditions of Hispanic culture, in such articles and Web sites as:
ARTICLES
1. ALL ABOUT...HISPANIC AMERICANS
2. Say "Hi!" to Spanish!
3. Latino Politicians Gain Clout in US
4. Quinceanera Parties Evolve as Hispanics Assimilate into American...
5. Honoring Hispanic Heritage
WEB SITE
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage!
Source: Scholastic Inc.
Read more
articles from the Spotlight of the Month by logging on to SIRS Discoverer®.
Monthly Events or Holidays
- Columbus Day
Source: Embassy of the United States of America
Summary: There is still controversy over who "discovered" America, but certainly over 500 years ago Christopher Columbus undertook a voyage that marked modern Europe's engagement with the American continents. This site discusses that historic voyage and the American holiday that commemorates it.
- Halloween: October 31
Source: Library of Congress (LOC)
Summary: "On the night of October 31, many Americans celebrate the traditions of Halloween by dressing in costumes and telling tales of witches and ghosts. Children parade from house to house collecting candy by the glow of jack-o'-lanterns and the light of the moon." (LOC) Read more about this spooky and fun-filled holiday here.
Spotlight of the Month topics are selected mainly from
Chase's Calendar of Events. Articles are also accessible within the main database and remain in our Teachable Moments newsletter archives for one year.
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