Hispanic history and culture will be highlighted on campus as Hispanic Heritage Month begins today. Ed Munoz, adviser for the 2000 Hispanic Heritage Month planning committee, said the event is observed for a variety of reasons. “We celebrate it to show the diversity of Latino ethnic groups, because we should realize that there’s not one monolithic-Latino culture,” he said. Munoz said this year’s celebration is especially exciting since Hispanics are on the verge of becoming the largest ethnic-minority group in the United States. “When we talk about diversity, it’s not just a black-and-white issue,” Munoz said. “People should realize that this country has been built by many ethnic groups.” Munoz, assistant professor of sociology, said Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated nationally for 20 years. “It started out as a week-long celebration to bring awareness to Hispanic and Latino culture,” he said. “In 1999, the federal government extended it to a month-long celebration.” Munoz said the Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 time period is perfect for celebrating Hispanic heritage since the month covers many important dates in Hispanic history. “Sept. 15 is Independence Day for several Latino countries, Sept. 16 is Mexican Independence Day and Oct. 12 is El Dia de la Raza, or `Day of the People,’ which commemorates Latino indigenous heritage,” he said. Munoz said this year’s events were planned by a variety of individuals. “Our committee was made up of faculty, staff and students,” he said. “The students have really taken on a big part of the planning process.” Keren Zuniga, co-president of the planning committee, said the committee has planned several educational events for students to attend during the month. “All of the events will be great, but I’m really excited about the Latino empowerment lecture by Steffen Schmidt. The opening and closing ceremonies will also be very exciting,” she said. Zuniga, graduate assistant in human development and family studies, said the planning committee is including more national speakers this year. “We’re bringing in a lot of talent,” she said. “Daniel Chacon, an author from the University of Texas, is coming to give workshops. A Puerto Rican dance troop from Chicago will be performing later in the month, and we’ve also brought in Dr. Gilberto Garcia from Eastern Washington University to talk about Latinos in baseball.” For more information, brochures listing this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month events and activities are available in the Minority Students Affairs office in the Student Services Building.