Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honoring and highlighting Hispanic traditions, history, and culture. Hispanic Heritage Month also recognizes contributions made by our ancestors who come from Mexico, Spain, South America, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and many Spanish-speaking nations.
Many events are put on during the duration of Hispanic Heritage Month, including conferences, festivals, and community gatherings. You can celebrate and embrace Hispanic Heritage Month by reading books written and illustrated by Hispanic/Latino authors, attending local events, watching Hispanic/Latino films and documentaries, and supporting Hispanic/Latino-owned businesses, bakeries, and restaurants. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, take the time to appreciate the influence, culture, celebrations, and traditions.
For more information on the Society of Hispanic Leaders (SOHL) group, please email sohl@delta.edu or monicahernandez@delta.edu.
By Gabriella Olivarez and Amelia Fitchett, student-members of Delta College Society of Hispanic Leaders
A Q&A with the leaders of SOHL
By Sesa Graham
Delta College’s Society of Hispanic Leaders (SOHL) club is a group of young, passionate members spreading awareness of the importance of Hispanic culture and history. Two members of SOHL, Gabriella Olivarez and Monica Hernadez met with Delta Collegiate’s Editorial Consultant, Sesa Graham, to answer some questions on National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Q: What is your name and title with SOHL?
A: My name is Gabriella Olivarez, and I am the Lead Representative.
My name is Monica Hernadez, and I am the Advisor.
Q: How can people celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Olivarez: The first thing that comes to mind is the vendors we have around here and the small businesses. I think supporting those smaller businesses and educating yourself. There are a lot of good movies out there about Hispanic artists or influential people. Read up on it and inform yourself.
Hernandez: Get involved with the fiestas and celebrations. Supporting businesses, like Cruz Kitchen, but the food trunks are pretty popular, and it’s amazing food. I think K? Onda, Mi Gente, and Nosotros are the three main Hispanic magazines in the Tri-Cities area.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: If anybody is interested in joining SOHL, contact Monica because we are still recruiting people.
The mission of SOHL is to promote and support the development of education, as well as implementing culture through programs and services offered to Hispanic students at Delta College and in the community.
If you are interested in joining SOHL, please contact Monica at monicahernandez@delta.edu.
Roxanne Chantaca and her father, David Chantaca, share a Mariachi Presentation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 22, 2022; photo credit Monica Hernandez 
Roxanne Chantaca and her father, David Chantaca, share a Mariachi Presentation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 22, 2022; photo credit Monica Hernandez 
Roxanne Chantaca and her father, David Chantaca, share a Mariachi Presentation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 22, 2022; photo credit Monica Hernandez 
A small group smiles brightly for a photo together at the Mariachi Presentation. From left to right: Dr. Pam Ross McClain, Chief Officer of Culture, Belonging and Community Building, SOHL students Racquel Hernandez-Alainz, Amelia Fitchett, and Gabriella Olivarez, followed by Vanessa Guerra. Guerra was the previous 95th State Representative of Michigan and now serves as Saginaw County Clerk, Sept. 22, 2022; photo credit Monica Hernandez 
Delta College’s new Vice President of Student Empowerment and Success, Chad Inabinet, with Roxanne Chantaca and her father David Chantaca at a celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 22, 2022; photo credit Monica Hernandez
Hispanic small businesses to support:
Restaurants:
Food Trucks:
Gift Store:
Organizations:
Media:
- Mi Gente
- K? Onda!
- Nosotros
- Mi Gente on Air
