1. Thurs. Sept. 18: 2014 NATIONAL AWARDS:   Hispanic Heritage Award honorees will be announced on September 18, 2014. in Washington, D.C, with the ceremony broadcast so you, in Brooklyn, can watch!  Among the notable figures being honored that evening, CHCI Chair Rep. Rubén Hinojosa will receive the STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) award, in honor of his extensive work to make Latinos and Latinas competitive in these fields. Others include: 
   Education – The Hayden High School Robotics Team 
   Sports – Bernie Williams 
   Leadership – Henry R. Muñoz III 
   Vision – Zoe Saldaña
   Master of Arts – Pepe Aguilar
   Legend – Carlos Vives
   Special Recognition – 65th Infantry Regiment of the US Army “The Borinqueneers”
   

1. Sun. Sept. 21:LATINO CULTURE, SPANISH BOOKS  at Brooklyn Book Festival: While the focus is not specifically Latino or Hispanic, there are lots of authors and booths with publications for kids and adults that are either bilingual, Spanish language, or dedicated to issues of Central and Latin America, immigration in the US, Latino culture, Hispanic and Latino authors and more. 
2. Tues. Sept. 23: NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY. You can join with Voto Latino on this voter registration day, as volunteers, celebrities, and organizations from all over the country will "hit the streets" to create awareness of voter registration opportunities.
3. Sat. Sept. 27 :MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE.Writers Conference, Lectures, Music and Latins in Science Symposium at Medgar Evers College in Crown Heights: Hosted by the Medgar Evers College Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), programs will "emphasize the strength and resilience of Latinos in overcoming socio-political and economic obstacles that have historically impeded successful attainment of higher education. " Among events: “Latinos in Science Symposium,"   a writers conference, lectures, guest speakers, music, and screening of movie Pa'lante, with discussion  See the website.

1. Thurs. Oct 2: DEMOGRAPHICS IN BROOKLYN: "Exploring Brooklyn's Shifting Demographics: The Brooklyn Historical Society takes a look at demographics. Demographers Joseph Salvo, Director of the Population Division of the NYC Department of City Planning, and  colleague Peter Lobo, "explore the demographic forces that make Brooklyn a dynamic place, and discuss the challenges we're likely to face in the coming decades." Reserve tickets  
   
2. Sat. October 4, 2014: The Brooklyn Museum celebrates Brooklyn’s Latino Heritage and Culture at October’s Target First Saturday: Hear ¡Viva Brooklyn!  Arturo O’Farrill’s Grammy award–winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and youth orchestra Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats present a set. Dance, take salsa lessons, hear as journalist and filmmaker Raquel Cepada explores Latina identity. Free and family friendly.

About  Hispanic Heritage Month  Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Brooklyn
 

• When It Is: September 15 to October 15, every year.
• Why This Time of Year? This month marks multiple political dates, including the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.
• History:  Hispanic Heritage Month dates to 1968. It begins each year on September 15. It is a time to recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their long heritage and rich, diverse culture.
• Is Hispanic the same as Latino? According to the Hispanic Heritage Month organization,  "the term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin. According to this Census, 50.5 million people or 16% of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population."