Hispanic Heritage Month, HBCUs and More People & Culture News Trends 

A look at the people and culture news from PR Newswire in September and October that you might have missed.

 

People and Culture News Trends, September-October 2023

 

By Matt Harp | Published Nov. 6, 2023

 

Throughout September and October, PR Newswire distributed more than more than 2,600 people and culture related press releases. Some of this news related to designated months and events celebrating diverse groups of people and cultures. While tracking the news, our team noticed the following recurring topics among the headlines: HBCUs, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and senior citizens.

Let’s take a closer look at these trends and additional newsworthy stories from September and October.

Popular People & Culture Releases

These were some of the most-viewed people and culture-related releases over the past two months:

  • Zócalo Health, a primary care provider group designed to administer culturally-sensitive care for the Latino patient, announced that all commercial members of Blue Shield of California will now have access to a variety of virtual primary care services, from pediatrics to personalized care teams and mental health support.
  • Leal Health presented a poster focused on the disparities in clinical trial participation among racial / ethnic minorities and the medically underserved at the AACR Conference.
  • BLACK ENTERPRISE Honored Black Business Leaders at the 2023 Black Men XCEL Summit. The event, sponsored by FedEx, is a premier experience dedicated to fostering Black men's professional growth and empowerment in corporate America.
  • Best Buddies International, in partnership with Jersey Mike's Subs, joined to help raise funds and awareness for the nonprofit. The orgnization is committed to fostering one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

 

People & Culture News Trends

These are a few of the trends we noticed among people and culture-related press releases in September and October, with a few examples of each.

HBCU News

September and October saw many releases related to HBCUs cross over the wire. Highlighting these organizations committed to the advancement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities is important as there are currently over 100 active in the United States, totalling 279,000 students nationwide (as of 2020).

Nearly 50 releases from September and October highlighted some of the challenges faced by and work being done for these organizations and the students who attend them. Some examples include:

  • Dark & Lovely and Yandy Smith-Harris made "bold moves" with an HBCU scholarship giveaway. Students who attended a panel discussion and masterclass, "A Black Girl's Guide to Making Bold Moves" during HU Ideas Fest on Oct. 17 were eligible to receive $750 book scholarships.
  • Morehouse College, the nation's only historically Black liberal arts institution dedicated to educating and developing men, announced it has received a $3 million gift from Prologis that will expand opportunities for students of color to study real estate and prepare for lucrative careers with top firms in the industry.
  • HBCU Week Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated in helping high-school aged youth to enroll into HBCUs, announced that Barclays is endowing a $300,000 scholarship fund that will support the Foundation and students attending five HBCUs: Delaware State University, Hampton University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Howard University.
  • The NFL announced it will partner with Rally Cry to host the 4th annual Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament with finalists to compete during Pro Bowl games in Orlando, Fla., on February 4, 2024. The tournament aims to maintain the tradition of providing students at HBCUs a chance to compete and explore the business of sports through practical learning and job shadowing experiences.

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide; approximately 280,000 children ages 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year. Every September during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, childhood cancer organizations spread awareness of pediatric cancer and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. 

More than 20 releases from September and October shined a spotlight on this topic and the fight being done to combat this global issue. Here are a few examples:

  • Aflac announced the culmination of its campaign to illuminate bridges and other landmarks across the country to commemorate National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The ongoing campaign has contributed more than $170 million to the cause since 1995.
  • The Hyundai Hope On Wheels 25th Anniversary Gala hosted global leaders, members of congress, doctors, and researchers focused on the future and commitment of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. Hyundai Hope On Wheels awarded 88 research and programmatic grants totaling $25 million, bringing the organization's lifetime donation total to $225 million.
  • Northwestern Mutual announced it is recommitting its efforts to help fund further research and provide support to patients, survivors, and families through additional investments, a social media challenge and local activations in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. For its social media campaign, #LemonTopChallenge, Northwestern Mutual will make a $10 donation for every post shared to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to help fund cutting edge research, up to $500,000.
  • Chili's® Grill & Bar announced the return of its annual Create-A-Pepper program to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and said this year the artwork will be displayed in ways bigger and bolder than ever before.

Hispanic Heritage Month 

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally from September 15 to October 15, spotlighting the history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present. According to the US Census as of July 2022, the Hispanic population in the United States is 63.7 million people, 19.1% of the national population.  

Nearly 70 releases from September and October contained news on Hispanic Heritage Month. Here are some examples:

  • Hyundai celebrated Hispanic and Latino history, culture, and influence in the U.S. with a multifaceted program that included philanthropic and community-based support and sponsorships.
  • Frito-Lay announced its continued partnership with LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. for a second year with an initiative that bridges the language translation and technology digital divide to empower Hispanic families to develop digital literacy skills. The initiative includes an investment of $150,000 to support 360 participants, building on 2022 program success.
  • Smirnoff, in partnership with Puerto Rican urban music icon Wisin, invited people to #BailaConSmirnoff for a chance to appear in Wisin’s video for their new track “Cuerpo a Cuerpo.” Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, Smirnoff is Making it Known, “Rhythm is a We Thing.”
  • Avocados From Mexico® announced the Spark the Good Scholarship Program for aspiring Hispanic chefs, which will gift up to 10 full-ride scholarships to avocado enthusiasts who are interested in receiving their Culinary Arts degree at Dallas College.

Senior Citizen News

September and October saw many releases pertaining to senior citizens cross the wire. A social demographic of anyone 65 years of age or older, senior citizens often face issues with physical health, mental health, ageism, and financial insecurity. As of 2021, there were estimated to be over 55 million people in the US who fall into this category, 16.8% of the national population.

Senior citizen-related news accounted for over 180 releases during the months of September and October. Here are some to spotlight:

  • Cigna Healthcare announced the launch of a new, customized health benefits plan aimed at supporting the health and vitality of globally mobile people aged 60 and older. The plan will include a range of health, well-being, and preventive care services as well as essential coverage for hospital stays, inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment, and vaccinations.
  • Prevention Magazine teamed up with The Not Old Better Show for a new monthy podcast series catering to the senior demographic. The series promotes inclusivity and encourages intergenerational dialogue.
  • UniversityRetirementCommunities.com launched as the first national website providing locations and information for retirees interested in senior living communities associated with a university or college.
  • The New York StateWide Senior Action Council released an advisory warning seniors against the potential threats of fraud in the Medicare open enrollment period, typically taking place Oct. 15-Dec. 7.

Looking Ahead

With National Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day, and Dia de los Muertos coming in November, and World AIDS Day and International Day for People with Disabilities leading up to the end of year holidays, there will be plenty of upcoming people and culture news to follow.

We’ll continue tracking the headlines to bring you the top stories in People & Culture space!


 

About the Author

PR Newswire logoBased in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Matt Harp has been working at PR Newswire as a Customer Content Specialist since 2017. In his free time, he enjoys sports and exploring the outdoors as much as possible.