With the annual opportunity to celebrate the month-long acknowledgement that is National Hispanic Heritage Month, or Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana in Spanish, Texas College emphasizes that the observance is one of great significance not only to the College, but to the broader society at large. National Hispanic Heritage Month is important, as it provides a 30-day period for which to further emphasize the context of the substantial and meaningful contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Moreover, it showcases, both historically and factually, how individuals of Hispanic and Latino descent are interwoven into the fabric of America, having held significant roles throughout the United States’ history, dating back to the American Revolution and the country’s very birth.
As a Historically Black College (HBCU), founded less than three decades after the Civil War amid an era where diversity didn’t exist and instead was rampant with ruthless exclusionary practices, Texas College understands the importance of embracing cultural diversity. Born out of the need to provide a safe and quality education for a people once considered disenfranchised – to serve a population ostracized from advancement and opportunity – Texas College was founded to serve all. And, 130 years later, Texas College remains true to this founding principle and opens its doors to all individuals in pursuit of an education.
While Texas College maintains the HBCU designation, as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, the College fully embraces a culturally and ethnically diversified campus, as evidenced by the diverse student, faculty, and staff population on campus. In fact, the College’s second largest student population, in terms of ethnicity, are Hispanic and Latino students. Historically, Hispanic and Latino students have held and continue to hold important roles on the College’s campus, inclusive of positions such as Miss Texas College and Valedictorian. Students, and congruently faculty and staff, of Hispanic and Latino descent are vital to Texas College’s population, creating a diverse learning atmosphere for all to engage.
Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Texas College campus will host a multitude of events and activities that spotlight the achievements, influences, and profound impact of Hispanic and Latino individuals to afford the opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to explore, recognize, and embrace the rich diversity, cultures, and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities.
