Once you place the Latinx-authored books on the shelf, leave them there. 

When you start uplifting the voices of Latinx Americans and celebrating their achievements and contributions Sept. 15, make sure you don’t stop one month later. 

Society has a bad habit of compartmentalizing history that is not white. 

During Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Latinx voices are brought to the forefront. 

As a result, we spend that time learning about historical figures like Frida Kahlo, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta — oddly enough, we often never have enough time to learn about anyone else. 

According to the National Museum of the American Latino, “The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.” 

Designating months to celebrate different groups of people of color — Black Americans in February and Latinx Americans in September — is important, especially in an education system that prioritizes learning about old, white men six months out of an eight-month school year. 

The months are in place to actively combat white-centering, the centering of white experiences, feelings and attitudes and achievements over other racial and ethnic groups. 

But the voices and the history of these groups of people were never meant to be confined to thirty-one days, and unfortunately, this is exactly what has happened. 

Even UCA has fallen victim to this. Rarely are events sponsored by Latinx organizations given the spotlight they deserve.

Our library has a similar story when it comes to light being shed on people of Latin descent. For the month of September, you will find books authored and illustrated by Latinx people in the very front of the space. Outside of the month, you will find yourself stuck scouring dozens of shelves to find those same titles. 

Latinx voices need to be uplifted and celebrated every day, and there are things we can do here and now to make sure that happens. 

For one, be sure to leave and make spaces for Latinx voices to be heard. Beyond that, be sure to create spaces in which Latinx and other people of color feel safe voicing their opinions. We live in a society that actively prioritizes and centers white voices. Because of that, it is important to be very intentional about making space for non-white voices.

Whether inside or outside Hispanic Heritage Month, we can support Hispanic and Latinx businesses. Pay a visit to a Latinx-owned restaurant and trade in your Chick-Fil-A fries for a chimichanga.

You can listen to a couple of Latinx content creators or maybe even purchase something from their shop. 

You know you’re buying the food and clothes and watching the videos anyway — why not combat systemic racism while you’re at it. 

Be sure to take charge of your education, too. Even though the education system has compartmentalized culture, we are college students now, and we’re responsible for our education — for our knowledge and lack thereof. 

Take a few minutes to learn about Latinx culture, history, achievements, art and historical figures. Hop off Instagram for a few minutes to learn about Latinx culture, history, achievements, art and historic figures. We are responsible for what we do and do not know now. 

While you are on campus, be sure to check out a few Latinx-sponsored events. LSA, the Latino Student Association, will be hosting a game night Oct. 3.