Costa Rica
Independence
El Salvador
Independence
Guatemala
Independence
Honduras
Independence
#2
How does your
key
reading
hispanic
figures
RECOMMENDATIONS
How the Word
is Passed
“A deeply researched and transporting exploration of the legacy of slavery and its imprint on centuries of American history, How the Word Is Passed illustrates how some of our country's most essential stories are hidden in plain view—whether in places we might drive by on our way to work, holidays such as Juneteenth, or entire neighborhoods like downtown Manhattan, where the brutal history of the trade in enslaved men, women, and children has been deeply imprinted.”
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
Alia Ramirez
Project Engineer
W.E.B.
Du Bois
Ruby
Bridges
W.E.B. Du Bois was an influential Black rights activist and co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
(1868 – 1963)
(1954 – present)
Ruby Bridges became
the first Black student
to attend an all-white school during the height
of desegregation.
Shirley
Chisholm
(1924 – 2005)
The first Black woman elected to Congress in 1969. In 1972, she became the
first Black woman to run for president. Her campaign slogan was, “Unbought
and Unbossed."
Frederick Douglass
(1818 – 1895)
He was a leader in the abolitionist movement and early champion of women’s rights. His autobiography became a best seller and helped to further the abolitionist movement.
Harriet
Tubman
(1820 – 1913)
After escaping slavery,
Harriet Tubman became
a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad
to help other slaves
find freedom.
Thurgood Marshall
(1908 – 1993)
Thurgood Marshall was
an American lawyer who
was the first Black member
of the Supreme Court
and prior to that won
the Brown v. Board of Education case.
by Clint Smith
Stamped from the Beginning
by Ibram X. Kendi
“In this deeply researched and fast-moving narrative, Kendi chronicles the entire story of anti-black racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history. He uses the life stories of five major American intellectuals to drive this history: Puritan minister Cotton Mather, Thomas Jefferson, abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, W.E.B. Du Bois, and legendary activist Angela Davis.”
Destruction of Black Civilization
by Chancellor Williams
“The Destruction of Black Civilization is revelatory and revolutionary because it offers a new approach to the research, teaching, and study of African history by shifting the main focus from the history of Arabs and Europeans in Africa to the Africans themselves, offering instead ‘a history of blacks that is a history of blacks. Because only from history can we learn what our strengths were and, especially, in what particular aspect we are weak and vulnerable. Our history can then become at once the foundation and guiding light for united efforts in serious[ly] planning what we should be about now.’ It was part of the evolution of the black revolution that took place in the 1970s, as the focus shifted from politics to matters of the mind.”
Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts
by Rebecca Hall
“Wake tells the ‘riveting’ (Angela Y. Davis) story of Dr. Rebecca Hall, a historian, granddaughter of slaves, and a woman haunted by the legacy of slavery. The accepted history of slave revolts has always told her that enslaved women took a back seat. But Rebecca decides to look deeper, and her journey takes her through old court records, slave ship captain’s logs, crumbling correspondence, and even the forensic evidence from the bones of enslaved women from the ‘negro burying ground’ uncovered in Manhattan. She finds women warriors everywhere.”
Four Hundred Souls
by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
“While themes of resistance and struggle, of hope and reinvention, course through the book, this collection of diverse pieces from ninety different minds, reflecting ninety different perspectives, fundamentally deconstructs the idea that Africans in America are a monolith—instead it unlocks the startling range of experiences and ideas that have always existed within the community of Blackness.”
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou
“Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local ‘powhitetrash.’ At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (‘I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare’) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.”
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
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LEARN MORE
My heritage shaped me to be a strong, independent woman who thrives in this industry.
"
"
Javier Pardo
"
"
I was taught an appreciation
for hard work and perseverance and the rewards that would come with it. I feel those values have helped me get where
I am now.
Operations Lead, Project Management
EXPLORE LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2023
influence
YOU?
Heritage
Nicaragua
Independence
Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America.
Five Important Facts
#1
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
#3
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
#4
In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively and Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, is October 12.
#5
This year’s theme focuses on the significant strides of Hispanics in the economic, political, and social growth of the U.S.
#1
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
#2
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
#3
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras
and Nicaragua.
#4
In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively and Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, is October 12.
how does your
hispanic
After college, I joined a Colombian construction firm and began building a small sports arena in a very remote town. As we approached completion, I started thinking about the next steps in my career. At this point, my brother had recently moved to the states and had been tirelessly asking me to also move. He saw better opportunities for the two of us, to grow as civil engineers in the construction industry. The political situation my country was facing at that time, made the decision a lot easier. Many times, I was exposed to unsafe situations due to delinquency in the rural area where I was working. It has been the best decision of my life. Soon after I moved to Minneapolis, and only two years later I started with PCL, where I have proudly been for 18+ years.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
My mother has been the greatest source of inspiration in my life. She became a widow when my siblings and
I were 5, 3 and 2 (I was the 2 year old). She was both resilient and smart. Not only did she successfully run a business and manage an egg farm, but she also somehow managed to be present and involved in our lives. She was very strict and although I often resented the weekend farm work that she assigned to us, I realized the value of hard work and discipline after each workday ended. I felt a sense of pride and appreciation for the lessons she taught me.
In high school I decided that I would want to pursue an engineering degree in college and had the full support of my family as I continued my education. I attended CU Boulder and got my BS in Civil Engineering, becoming one of the first in my family to get an engineering degree. My parents recently bought a house in Mazatlán, Mexico, where my grandparents were born and raised. I am excited to visit and help with renovations and explore an area that is so important to my background.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
My dad is one of the biggest inspirations in my life. He was the first person in his family to attend college and has an incredible work ethic that I am proud to say I’ve inherited. He is the reason I am in this industry. He encouraged me to pursue an engineering degree and did not hesitate to support me when I moved to Colorado for school.
"
"
Hispanics take pride in being hard workers and we love to brag about the work we’ve accomplished.
Foreman
Diego Valdivia
I began working in construction with my dad during summer breaks when I was 15 years old. In 2013 I was moving from company to company not finding anything that really had the opportunities I was looking for. I ended up applying at PCL and saw that PCL encourages and helps you grow within the company. I'm still learning every day on the job but can see myself where I want to be in the future within PCL.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
At six years old, my father brought us to the United States for a chance at a better life. He inspires me because he selflessly left everything behind and started over because his dreams for his children were bigger than his love for his home. He taught me that you work your hardest in the toughest of times to build a better future.
Meaningful ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
"
"
I’m always eager to learn new things about the people I work with, the work I perform, and how they both can influence each other.
Joining construction was the best option for me straight out of high school. It gave me a chance to learn vital skills while still being able to explore where I want to go next within PCL. It also gave me a chance to be more connected with my culture. Growing up, I didn’t have a deep connection with the Hispanic culture, and while I learned a lot about the industry following my dad around on his side construction jobs, I wanted to feel more connected with the people I was surrounded by. I have that here and seeing a finished product of something I made with my own hands is the satisfaction I look for every day.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
My grandfather is my inspiration. He always helped others out without hesitation, and it has helped me understand what it means to be a good worker. Every day, I strive to learn something new so I can then pass that knowledge on to somebody else. I love the feeling of giving people the skills and motivation to want to move further within the company. Not everybody has had the same support as I did and nobody should be put at a disadvantage because they don’t have anybody to make them feel like they can achieve more.
3rd Year Apprentice
Joslyn Cervantes
Learn about global news and events impacting the Hispanic/Latinx community.
Support a Hispanic/Latinx business.
Make a charitable donation to a Hispanic/Latinx-focused organization.
Play Lotería, Mexico’s version
of Bingo.
Invite a family over and prepare a cultural meal.
"
"
I’m always eager to learn new things about the people I work with, the work I perform, and how they both can influence each other.
Joining construction was the best option for me straight out of high school. It gave me a chance to learn vital skills while still being able to explore where I want to go next within PCL. It also gave me a chance to be more connected with my culture. Growing up, I didn’t have a deep connection with the Hispanic culture, and while I learned a lot about the industry following my dad around on his side construction jobs, I wanted to feel more connected with the people I was surrounded by. I have that here and seeing a finished product of something I made with my own hands is the satisfaction I look for every day.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
My grandfather is my inspiration. He always helped others out without hesitation, and it has helped me understand what it means to be a good worker. Every day, I strive to learn something new so I can then pass that knowledge on to somebody else. I love the feeling of giving people the skills and motivation to want to move further within the company. Not everybody has had the same support as I did and nobody should be put at a disadvantage because they don’t have anybody to make them feel like they can achieve more.
3rd year apprentice
Joslyn Cervantes
"
"
I’m always eager to learn new things about the people I work with, the work I perform, and how they both can influence each other.
Joining construction was the best option for me straight out of high school. It gave me a chance to learn vital skills while still being able to explore where I want to go next within PCL. It also gave me a chance to be more connected with my culture. Growing up, I didn’t have a deep connection with the Hispanic culture, and while I learned a lot about the industry following my dad around on his side construction jobs, I wanted to feel more connected with the people I was surrounded by. I have that here and seeing a finished product of something I made with my own hands is the satisfaction I look for every day.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
My grandfather is my inspiration. He always helped others out without hesitation, and it has helped me understand what it means to be a good worker. Every day, I strive to learn something new so I can then pass that knowledge on to somebody else. I love the feeling of giving people the skills and motivation to want to move further within the company. Not everybody has had the same support as I did and nobody should be put at a disadvantage because they don’t have anybody to make them feel like they can achieve more.
3rd year apprentice
Joslyn Cervantes
"
"
I was taught an appreciation for hard work and perseverance and the rewards that would come with it. I feel those values have helped me get where I am now.
After college, I joined a Colombian construction firm and began building a small sports arena in a very remote town. As we approached completion, I started thinking about the next steps in my career. At this point, my brother had recently moved to the states and had been tirelessly asking me to also move. He saw better opportunities for the two of us, to grow as civil engineers in the construction industry. The political situation my country was facing at that time, made the decision a lot easier. Many times, I was exposed to unsafe situations due to delinquency in the rural area where I was working. It has been the best decision of my life. Soon after I moved to Minneapolis, and only two years later I started with PCL, where I have proudly been for 18+ years.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
My mother has been the greatest source of inspiration in my life. She became a widow when my siblings and I were 5, 3 and 2 (I was the 2 year old). She was both resilient and smart. Not only did she successfully run a business and manage an egg farm, but she also somehow managed to be present and involved in our lives. She was very strict and although I often resented the weekend farm work that she assigned to us, I realized the value of hard work and discipline after each workday ended. I felt a sense of pride and appreciation for the lessons she taught me.
Operations Lead, Project Management
Javier Pardo
Rosy Aburto McDonough, executive director of Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, shares in this heartfelt video how our longstanding partnership fosters an environment where we can embrace and cherish our unique backgrounds while finding similarities.
PCL.COM
Follow PCL’s social media channels for additional content throughout this observance.
Rosy Aburto McDonough, executive director of Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, shares in this heartfelt video how our longstanding partnership fosters an environment where we can embrace and cherish our unique backgrounds while finding similarities.
1870
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
ABOLITION
era
1868
1865
President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring freedom for slaves in the Confederacy. Because the Union didn’t control these states, it ultimately didn’t free
a single slave. However, it did permit Black Americans to serve in the Union Army.
1861
St. Louis, MO
Dred Scott v. Sandford ruling decides American citizenship was not meant for people of African descent.
1857
The U.S. Civil War begins.
Charleston, SC
1863
United States
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishes slavery.
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants Black men voting rights. However, state practices of poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation prevented many from exercising their constitutional rights until
the passage of the Voting Rights Act nearly 100 years later.
United States
United States
United States
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
HOME
HOME
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
HOME
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
1932
1921
1919
1915
1896
1865
The Ku Klux Klan is formed by former Confederate soldiers in Tennessee.
Plessy v. Ferguson ruling establishes “separate but equal” doctrine and supports the spread of segregation.
On February 8th, Birth of a Nation film is released, which demonizes Black Americans and praises the KKK. In March, it became the first movie ever shown in the White House.
The “Red Summer” sees 26 race riots occur in Black communities across the U.S.
The Tulsa Massacre takes place, destroying the city’s Black business district known as “Black Wall Street” and killing more than 300 African Americans.
The Tuskegee Syphilis Study begins, which nearly 400 Black people with syphilis were told they were being treated for “bad blood,” but were actually being studied to see what happens when syphilis goes untreated. More than 100 participants died.
JIM CROW
era
Pulaski, TN
Los Angeles, CA
New Orleans, LA
United States
Tulsa, OK
Tuskegee, AL
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
HOME
HOME
HOME
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
HOME
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
1954
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
CIVIL RIGHTS
era
Brown v. Board of Education ruling declares school segregation is illegal.
1968
1965
1964
1963
1955
Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to give up her seat for a white man on a bus, leading to the 361-day Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leads march and gives famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Civil Rights Act passed, which granted the federal government more power to limit racial discrimination against citizens and mandated desegregation.
Voting Rights Act passed, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting.
Fair Housing Act passed, which address racial housing discrimination.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated leading to riots across the nation.
Topeka, KS
Montgomery, AL
Washington, D.C.
United States
United States
United States
Memphis, TN
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
HOME
HOME
HOME
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
HOME
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
2021
2013
1995
1992
University of California v. Bakke ruling upholds affirmative action, which allows race to be a factor in college admission policies.
The Million Man March becomes the largest march on the U.S. capital in history with hundreds of thousands of Black men aiming to inspiring solidarity.
LAPD members are acquitted of police brutality in the case of Rodney King, despite a widely circulated video that captures his maltreatment. The case sparks the LA riots, causing $1 billion in damages for the city of Los Angeles.
1978
Black Lives Matter – a social movement dedicated to ending racism and anti-Black violence – is formed in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
2022
Juneteenth officially recognized as a U.S. federal holiday.
Lynching is federally recognized as a hate crime.
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
POST-CIVIL RIGHTS
era
Oakland, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Washington D.C.
United States
United States
United States
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
HOME
HOME
HOME
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)
HOME
Post-Civil Rights Era
(1968-Present)
Civil Rights Era
(1954-1968)
Abolition Era
(1857-1870)
Jim Crow Era
(1870-1954)