Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Dear members of the Berklee community,

September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring and celebrating Latinx and Hispanic history, identity, and cultures, and their impact around the world. In the U.S., this commemoration was founded as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Later, in 1988, it was expanded to a month and signed into law. Mid-September was chosen as the beginning of the observation due to its historical significance for Latin American countries: September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; Mexico celebrates independence on September 16; and Chile on September 18.

We are proud and honored to reflect on the remarkable contributions that our faculty, staff, and students who identify as Latinx and Hispanic have brought, not only to our campuses but also to the performing and creative arts industries across the globe. The study and celebration of Latin diasporic music and culture are integral to Berklee’s essence, and they are important educational resources that allow students from all backgrounds to honor the stories and cultures of our growing population of students, faculty, staff, and alumni from Latin America, Spain, and Spanish-speaking countries around the world. More than 114 Latin Grammys have been awarded to our Berklee community to date, a strong testament to the professionalism and talent of Latinx and Hispanic artists, producers, engineers, composers, conductors, and industry members connected to Berklee.

Members of our community are working tirelessly on a variety of initiatives focused on making Berklee more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming for all. One of our priorities continues to be the effort to bring more Latinx and Hispanic students, faculty, and staff to our community and provide opportunities for them to thrive. The impact in the Berklee Latinx community can already be felt, with 50 percent growth in enrollment of Latinx students since the fall of 2019. Other priorities include programs like Berklee Latino, which promotes educational efforts that amplify Latinx culture in collaboration with the Latin American Berklee Students club and the Latin music studies minor; mentorship and scholarship opportunities for Latinx and Hispanic students; and multiple opportunities to experience the artistry of our students, faculty, and guest artists through performances. Programs with our Global Partners also serve to connect Berklee with learners in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. 

In addition to those projects and initiatives, we also want to take a moment to appreciate our students, faculty, and staff in Valencia, Spain, who celebrated the 10th anniversary of the campus in July and have elevated our understanding and appreciation for Hispanic and Latinx culture for more than a decade. Berklee Valencia offers unique opportunities for our students to immerse themselves in a rich educational and cultural environment, and has garnered accolades as one of the top music business schools in the world. 

There are many events happening at Berklee over the next month, and beyond, that highlight our vibrant Latinx and Hispanic community. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please stay tuned as additional programming is announced through the Diversity and Inclusion office.

As a tribute to our Latinx and Hispanic friends and colleagues, allow us to add: Feliz Mes de la Herencia Latinx e Hispana! Happy Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month!

Yours,

Erica Muhl
President

Lacretia Johnson Flash
Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion