The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion celebrates America’s rich Hispanic history and culture with National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 - Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month, established on Sept. 15, 1968, celebrates the shared anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The independence of Mexico, Chile, and Belize also occurred during this 30-day period.
The 2024 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This month we recognize and honor the legacy of Ildaura Murillo-Rohde, PhD, RN, FAAN, for her contributions to nursing and advocacy for Latinos in health care.
Immigrating to the United States From Panama, Murillo-Rhode became the first Hispanic nurse to be awarded a PhD from New York University. Working as a nurse in San Antonio, she noticed the scarcity of Latino nurses and the lack of support from the American Nurses Association. She went on to found the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) in 1975, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing health in Hispanic communities and advocating for educational, professional, and leadership opportunities for Hispanic nurses.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these events:
Sept. 18: Let's Salsa Together: Dance and Taste Event
4:30 - 6 p.m. | HSF III Atrium, UMSOM | Register
Enjoy a variety of salsa tastings while learning some salsa dance moves. Take advantage of the option to continue the party at Salsa Now at 7 p.m. at Sunset Salsa, Port Covington Marina, 321 E. Cromwell St., Baltimore.
Sept. 18 - Oct. 9: Latinas in Nursing Book Club Series
Every Wednesday, 3 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Embark on a journey of inspiration, education, and celebration this Hispanic Heritage Month with an exciting new book club series that honors and amplifies the voices of all nurses, particularly those of Latino/a/x/e and Hispanic descent. Each session will explore a rich tapestry of themes and stories from the acclaimed book "Latinas in Nursing," no prior reading necessary!
This event is in collaboration with DNPs of Color, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing, the Society of Latinx Nurses, Nurses You Should Know, and the New England Minority Nurse Leader Conference.
Sept. 20: Ending Latino U.S. Health Care Inequity
2 p.m. | Virtual and at Feinstone Hall, Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University | Register
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, professor and executive director, Institute for Policy Solutions, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing will present on "Ending Latino U.S. Health Care Inequity" and the strategies for health care professionals to advance health equity.
Sept. 24: Booked for Lunch: "For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts"
noon - 1 p.m. | Room 503 and Online | Register
Join the Booked for Lunch club in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! We will be discussing "For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts," by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez. Lunch will be provided by a local Hispanic restaurant.
Oct. 8: Hispanic and Latino Heritage Celebration and Cultural Showcase
6 - 9 p.m. | Hippodrome, M&T Bank Exchange | Register
Join the School of Medicine and Nuestras Raíces Inc. for an unforgettable evening celebrating the vibrant and diverse Hispanic and Latino cultures of Baltimore and Maryland. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions, lively rhythms, and artistic heritage that make this community so special.
Oct. 15: Virtually explore the rich impact of Hispanic culture on American society
Noon | Virtual | Register
Discover inspiring stories, influential people, and significant contributions that have shaped our nation. Hosted by the School of Medicine.