MAYS LANDING – Members of Atlantic Cape Community College’s Student Engagement, Student Government Association (SGA) and Los Latinos Unidos (LLU) student club gathered in the Quad on the Mays Landing campus on September 15 to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month with an official flag raising ceremony. The Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City campus also hosted an official flag raising ceremony as well that day.
Under bright blue sunny skies on a late-summer afternoon, faculty, staff and students reflected on the unifying message that every human being — regardless of their nationality, religion, language, sexual orientation, culture, politics and more — is special, unique and belongs here at Atlantic Cape.
“Even though we're from different places, having different stories, different cultures, many differences, we are all standing here today and we're all one. We're all standing here to celebrate today, and that makes us united and a community,” said SGA President Jayed Sourov. “When we talk about Hispanic Heritage Month, we can talk about history, but history is not only found in books. History is alive; it's Spanish spoken around the dinner table; it's grandmothers sharing recipes; and family traditions being passed down through the generations to the next.”
Los Latinos Unidos President Abisag Gomez Ferraras reflected on the challenges that many families, who came to America to build a better life for themselves and their children, faced.
“Many of us came from families who sacrificed everything for the opportunity to build something better. Our parents and grandparents crossed borders, learned new languages, worked long hours and faced challenges, and they did it because they believed their children could have better opportunities that they didn't have. This is why Hispanic Heritage Month means so much to me,” said Gomez Ferraras. “It is not just about celebrating where we come from, it is about remembering the people who came before us, honoring the sacrifices they made, and recognizing what we are capable of becoming because of those sacrifices.”
Gomez Ferraras wants the LLU to be recognized as a club where students feel that they are always welcome by other members who strive to use their education and voices to uplift one another.
“I hope Los Latinos Unidos (LLU) can be a place where students feel seen, a place where students feel represented, a place where we can celebrate our culture, but also talk about the challenges our community faces. But, most importantly, be a place where we remind each other our background,” said Gomez Ferraras. “Your story is your strength. Those who came before us gave us a foundation and now it is our responsibility to build something upon it. Let us continue to be proud of where we come from, proud of who we are, and proud of what we're going to accomplish together.”
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15, Atlantic Cape will host several events that recognize this month–long celebration’s rich history and culture:
- Cape May County campus: Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together – Hispanic Heritage Awareness, September 15–October 15 | First Floor Lobby. Throughout the month, students can learn about influential figures in Hispanic heritage, discover delicious recipes, enjoy giveaways and share their favorite Hispanic heritage traditions.
- Cape May County campus: Empanadas for Hispanic Heritage Month, October 6 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | First Floor Lobby. Students can enjoy a free empanada and beverage while celebrating one of the many traditions of Hispanic culture.
- Worthington Atlantic City campus: Taco Tuesday & Latin Dance Event, October 13 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Cafeteria
The Atlantic Cape Libraries are also celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with resources designed to help students, faculty, and staff learn more about Hispanic history, culture, literature and contributions.
All three campus Libraries will feature Hispanic Heritage Month displays throughout the month, highlighting books, authors, historical figures, cultural traditions, and other resources that celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities. We invite the College community to visit their campus library, explore the displays and discover something new.
The Libraries’ Hispanic Heritage Guide also provides a collection of resources for exploring Hispanic heritage, including:
- Books, eBooks, and media featuring Hispanic and Latino authors, artists, histories and perspectives
- Articles and research resources for learning more about Hispanic heritage and culture
- History resources highlighting Hispanic and Latino experiences and contributions
- Internet resources featuring reliable websites and additional opportunities for exploration
- 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month events and resources available through the Libraries
Whether you are looking for a book to read, a research resource, a podcast to listen to, or simply an opportunity to learn something new, we encourage you to explore the Libraries’ Hispanic Heritage resources throughout the month.
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes Hispanic American contributions to the United States’ society and culture. It was designated in 1968 when Congress passed Pub. L. 90-498 authorizing and requesting the President to issue an annual proclamation of National Hispanic Heritage during mid-September. The first to do so was President Lyndon B. Johnson when he issued Proclamation 3869 on September 17, 1968.
September 15th marks the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico, which celebrates its independence on September 16th.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/hispanicheritage for a listing of up-to-date events at Atlantic Cape’s three campuses. Visit library.atlanticcape.edu/Hispanic-Heritage-Month to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month, find books and e-books, previous articles, history and online resources. Visit atlantic.campusgroups.com/llu/home/ to learn more about the Los Latinos Unidos student club.
