By: Mason Mancini, Videographer, Carolina Mendoza, News Reporter, Savannah Talley, Videographer

MOUNT BERRY, Ga. – The observation of Hispanic Heritage started in 1968, as a week set by President Lyndon Johnson, and was expanded into an entire month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Hispanic Heritage month takes place from September 15 through October 15 and acts as a time for people of the Hispanic community to come together to celebrate their culture freely and boldly. 

Berry College Professor of Spanish, Guillerme Von Streber of Paraguayan and Brazilian origin, explains the importance of this month. 

“It’s a very important moment, and I do believe it is important to dedicate a certain month to bring our attention towards it and remember the history, the present and where we are going.” He then added, “It is a moment of reflection and awareness, especially because Hispanics are a huge part of the history of this country. It serves as a reminder for the general population to acknowledge the role that Hispanics had in the building of this nation.” 

Berry College students are encouraged to participate in this celebration, one-way being through Orgullo, a club dedicated to connecting and uplifting Hispanic students across campus. Orgullo began after a Berry student of Dominican decent realized that the Hispanic community at Berry needed a space to feel seen, accepted and embraced by one another.  

Emily Pineda-Duarte, President of Orgullo, talked about why she thinks this time is meaningful. 

“It is a time to embrace our differences, but similarities as well,” she said, ”It is a common misconception that all Hispanics are in a single box, but we come from various backgrounds and countries so it is a time where we can come together and celebrate one another.” 

Orgullo does not just function during Hispanic Heritage month. During many of their year-round meetings, they can be found dancing, eating cultural foods, listening to cultural music, and sharing personal experiences. However, during this special time, the festivities are elevated in comparison to the rest of the year. This year, Orgullo hosted a cultural block party and participated in Berry’s Solidarity March, where they proudly waved the flags of different countries and set up tables with lots of information ready to be shared. 

Brisia Castro, Vice President of Orgullo, speaks about her experience with Orgullo, and how it has helped include those who are not necessarily part of the Hispanic community, but want to gain knowledge and show support.  

“Here at Orgullo, we do things like hold dance lessons for Hispanic dance styles, that was a big hit last year, and it was really fun to not just dance it, but also teach others the meaning behind it,” she added, “We love to include a background lesson in games, movies and traditions that we do or show here, to educate and not just do it.” 

There is no question that this time of year holds a special significance to the Hispanic community, but the inclusive environment of Berry College and the work of clubs like Orgullo on campus has led to encouragement for individuals from different cultural background to support, educate, and celebrate the month as well. 

Von Streber comments on the inclusivity of Hispanic Heritage month, and why anyone can be included in this celebration.  

“There is room to both experience this as a community and to share it with even those who are not part of it. We can think about our history and still hold an awareness and moment of education.”