Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15th to October 15th in the United States, has its roots in the rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latin American cultures. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and later extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period. This month-long commemoration serves to honor the contributions and influences of Hispanic and Latinx Americans in various fields, from art and literature to politics and science, while fostering a deeper understanding of their diverse backgrounds and traditions. It's a time for reflection, appreciation, and recognition of the vital role these communities play in shaping the cultural mosaic of the United States.
In his presidential proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, President Joe Biden wrote: “I have often said that America can be defined in one word: possibilities. The Hispanic community has always embodied that ideal. It lives in the dreams of those who have only just arrived here and in the legacy of families who have been here for centuries. Latinos have helped chart America’s course since our start — as doctors and engineers; artists and entrepreneurs; and leaders in science, business, labor, government, and military and across grassroots movements Their faith and drive have pushed our country to grow, prosper, and pursue its highest ideals.”
At the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library, Cataloging Associate Kristen Keck curated a book display to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The display is on the book stacks nearest the library lobby, in front of the Arizona Section. These titles are available to browse or loan at your leisure. We welcome any suggested materials to add to this collection. If you would like to submit your thoughts, please contact our Collection Development Librarian, Jessica Ugstad.
Below is a small sample of books on display:
All Rise by
From the Texas Cotton Fields to the United States Tax Court by
Rewriting the Chicano Movement by
Take up Space by
Harvest of empire: history of Latinos in America by
Famous Hispanic American judges:
2. Valdemar Cordova was the first first Mexican-American Superior Court judge in Maricopa County and the first Hispanic to be appointed to the United States District Court in Arizona. Cordova received both his undergraduate degree and JD from the University of Arizona. He was elected president of the law school student body in 1949 and graduated from Arizona Law in 1950. He later received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the college in 1986.
3. Raul A. Gonzalez served on the Texas Supreme Court for over a decade, making important contributions to Texas jurisprudence.
4. Reynaldo Guerra Garza was the first Mexican-American appointed to a federal court when he was appointed as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and would later become the first Mexican-American, as well as the first Latin American, appointed to any circuit of the United States courts of appeals.
5. Mary H. Murguia serves as a federal appellate judge on one of the most significant circuit courts in the United States, the Ninth Circuit. Prior to her service on the Ninth Circuit, she was a district judge for the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.
Other Resources:
For more events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Tucson, please visit Visit Tucson!
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