September 15 through October 15 is National Latinx Heritage Month. Originally proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan, the month-long observance celebrates heritage and culture and recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. Celebrate by watching the following:
The Latino Americans Collection
Online via Kanopy
Latino Americans is the first major documentary series for television to chronicle the rich and varied history and experiences of Latinos, who have for the past 500-plus years helped shape what is today the United States and have become, with more than 50 million people, the largest minority group in the U.S. The series chronicles Latinos in the United States from the 1500's to present day. It is a story of people, politics, and culture, intersecting with much that is central to the history of the United States while also going to places where standard U.S. histories do not tend to tread [catalog description].
Stolen Education
Online via Kanopy
Stolen Education documents the untold story of Mexican-American school children who challenged discrimination in Texas schools in the 1950's and changed the face of education in the Southwest.
Chicano! History of the Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement
Online via Kanopy
This four part landmark documentary series now a classic for Mexican American history of the U.S., chronicles the struggle for equality and social justice of the Mexican American community in the United States from 1965 to 1975. Produced from Austin Texas by Galan Productions, Inc. It features the Chicano land struggle, Cesar Chavez and the UFW, the Los Angeles High School Walk-outs and the creation of the political party La Raza Unida.
In the Shadows
Online via Kanopy
This film, a modern day "Grapes of Wrath," follows Jairo and his extended family of undocumented immigrants from their home in Mexico to a dairy farm in the USA in search of a better life and a means to send money home to their struggling families. Along the way, they encounter dangerous border crossing conditions and a run-in with immigration authorities. This film explores why immigration remains an enduring issue for our country.
Discover Latino History and the Latino Influence on the United States
Online via Kanopy
Uncover the countless ways in which Central and South American civilizations have influenced the U.S. From language to medicine, from food to manufacturing, develop a strong understanding of these influential and ancient civilizations. Learn about the idea of "Manifest Destiny," discover Puerto Rico's quest for independence and find out how the "Little War" effected Mexico.