ESPERANZA: A Celebration of Heritage and Hope at Southside Branch Library

By Gelenda Norman|Southside Branch Library 

Join the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) Southside Branch's celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month!

Their themed celebration for 2021 is ESPERANZA: A Celebration of Heritage and Hope.

Southside Library is happy to celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the year. 

But they especially want to highlight this community's rich heritage, traditions, and culture from September 15, 2021—October 15, 2021.

Why these dates? 

Here is a brief history on the celebration of this month.

Former President Lyndon B. Johnson wanted to honor several Central American countries' Independence Days observed on September 15, whom he considered “neighbors” to the United States. He also recognized Mexico, whose Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

President Johnson paid special recognition to the Hispanic communities and their traditions by announcing September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week by signing a proclamation in 1968.

This week was to be observed annually.

Twenty years later, under the administration of President Ronald Reagan, President Johnson's proclamation was amended on August 17, 1988 for National Hispanic Heritage Month to be observed from September 15 to October 15 annually.

Hispanic Heritage Month falls between these two months to celebrate the various Independence Days throughout September and Día de la Raza on October 12.  

How can you celebrate this month with the BPL? 

Come by the Southside Library for either a “Grab N’ Go” or “Sit & Create” Hispanic Heritage Month program.

They have a couple programs planned and are excited to have you join.

Stop by any time for one of their art kits and like their Facebook page to get updates on their latest developments. 

Hojalata Tin Art 

Southside Library invites you to come by and learn how to make hojalata tin art. 

Hojalata (ho-huh-la-tuh) tin art is a form of Mexican Folk Art created by using tin or aluminum foil that is drawn upon to create colorful and imaginative textured works of art. 

If you can’t stay, “Grab N’ Go” Kits are available with included resources and instructions. 

Tissue Paper Peonies 

Frida Kahlo is a widely recognized figure in Hispanic history. 

She is popularly known for her unibrow and flowers adorning her hair.

To celebrate Frida's artistic expression, learn how to make tissue paper peonies.

You can even attach your colorful floral creations to Southside Library's display of Frida Kahlo to grow her flower crown.

Now you can make these flowers any time to decorate your home or for your next fiesta!

Counting in Spanish 

Learn to count to 10 with their fun coloring sheets! 

Coloring sheets will be available each week to teach your young ones (and refresh yourself on) how to count in Spanish. 

Southside Library also offers books you can check out to level up your language skills. It is never too late to learn a second language. 

If you would like to share your celebration with the BPL, email your photos to the PR Director Roy L. Williams at roy.williams@cobpl.org.

The BPL has many books and films that explore Hispanic and Latino cultures as well as other cultures around the world.

So grab your JCLC Library Card and embark on your journey to celebrating a culture with a strong history, vibrancy, livelihood, and ESPERANZA (“hope”)!