Hispanic Heritage Month first began as a week-long celebration in 1968. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the week to a month to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx community. Several Latin American countries also celebrate their independence during this time, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Mexico. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, check out these titles from our collection!

• Black Cuban, Black American Evelio Grillo’s memoir depicts his life growing up as an Afro-Cuban American. Grillo gives the reader a look into the cultural and racial experiences that helped shape his identity.
• Harvest of Empire: History of Latinos in America written by Puerto Rican author and journalist Juan Gonzalez, this book spans 500 years. Harvest of Empire takes an in-depth look into the political and social conditions that lead to the immigrations of several real-life families. The book also examines how Latinos have helped re-shape American culture. Harvest of Empire became a feature-length documentary in 2012.
•  Gloria Estefan Greatest Hits This collection features some of the singers’ biggest hits including “Here We Are,”  “Get on Your Feet,” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You.”
• Quest for a Homeland is part one of a four-part docuseries Chicano! History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement. Based on the eponymous book written by F.Arturo Rosales, Quest for a Homeland examines the beginning of the land grant movement and profiles activist Reies Lopez Tijerina.
• Reportero directed by Bernardo Ruiz, Reportero follows reporters at Tijuana based newspaper Zeta. The journalists face violence as they cover drug cartels and corrupt government officials.
• The Witch of Portobello by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho tells the story of a mysterious woman named Athena, from the vantage point of those closest to her. Coelho is also the author of the best-selling book The Alchemist.

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