We’re at our strongest when we are in touch with our own roots. Our world is filled with cultures and communities, each with their own histories that testify to the survival of their people. With that in mind, we’re going to tap into some ways to honor the past and build a better future this week, in recognition of the start of Hispanic Heritage Month.

If there’s something on the horizon in your area that you’d like to see featured in the MTV News Social Justice Forecast, email us at mtvnews.sjf@gmail.com!

All Month Long:

September 15 – October 15

Everywhere: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15 in honor of the independence of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Running through October 15, the month is filled with festivals, community events, activism, and conferences for Latinx and Hispanic communities.

Follow #HispanicHeritageMonth to see how folks everywhere are celebrating their communities, and use it to share your own pride in your heritage. Be on the lookout for events in your area, and we’ll be highlighting a few festive and informative events from across the country right here in the Social Justice Forecast.

We have all benefited from the contributions of all of the Hispanic and Latinx communities that are part of our country. Now is as good a time as any to rain down some love for them.

This Week:

This week, there’s black sunshine making rainbows over Washington, D.C., for the OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leadership Summit; Berkeley, California, is calling up a cool breeze of restorative justice for incarcerated people; and we’re looking ahead to women bringing a hurricane of justice to National Harbor, Maryland, with the #WeWontWaitSummit.

Monday, September 12

Berkeley, California: Support formerly incarcerated people at Restorative Reentry.

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley campus, Rm. 134

215 Bancroft Way

Berkeley, CA 94720

The Restorative Justice Center is hosting a panel discussion about supporting formerly incarcerated people. One of the major flaws with our justice system is that it can be difficult, even impossible, for some to return to their communities after incarceration. Often people struggle to find jobs, education, and housing. This discussion will feature Malachi Scott and Rahkii Holman sharing their experiences of how restorative justice, rather than purely punitive justice, can help prepare people for life on the outside. Following the panel, there will be a space for activists and allies to talk about the trauma of imprisonment and how to help end cycles of incarceration. Registration is free but recommended.

Wedneday, September 14

Washington, D.C.: Organize with black queer leadership at OUT on the Hill.

Various locations in the D.C. area

Kicking off four days of advocacy for black LGBTQ people, the National Black Justice Coalition is hosting a summit to explore the road ahead after President Obama leaves office. While acknowledging progress on some fronts of LGBTQ equality, attendees will dig into many issues that still affect black queer people in particular. To get started, the first day will focus on the Movement For Black Lives policy platform, which includes some thoughtful proposals regarding LGBTQ rights. Through Saturday, September 17, there will be sessions focused on topics from movement building to fighting poverty. Register and have a look at the full schedule for OUT on the Hill here.

Washington, D.C.: Start Latino Heritage Celebration with a keynote address from María Teresa Kumar.

6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Marvin Center

800 21st St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20052

George Washington University is beginning a month of events in honor of Latino and Hispanic people with a keynote presentation from María Teresa Kumar. An influential figure in political analysis and CEO of Voto Latino, Kumar is dedicated to engaging Latino youth and examining how politics impact the community at large. Her presentation is sure to be a great start to a series of events taking place at the university through October, including art, performances, queer Latinx activism, and more. You can find more information about upcoming events here.

Looking Ahead:

Monday, September 19 – Tuesday, September 20

National Harbor, Maryland: Get ready now for the We Won’t Wait 2016 Summit.

8 a.m. on Monday, September 19 – 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

201 Waterfront St.

National Harbor, MD 20745

For too long, working women of color have had their needs pushed to the side when it comes to public policy. So the We Won’t Wait Collaborative states its purpose right in its name, and is bringing together over 1,000 community leaders to address the concerns of women of color and low-income communities now. This summit will feature extensive discussion of immigration, workers’ rights, and mass incarceration from prominent female leaders. The goal is to bring about an economic policy agenda that addresses the concerns of women. Registration is free, but attendees have to take care of their own travel and accommodations.

If you want to support the work of We Won’t Wait, you can take the pledge to mobilize your community to get out and vote. Signing the pledge also gives you the option to receive updates on issues to which the collaborative is dedicated.

Each of us comes from rich backgrounds with their own struggles and triumphs. As we work together for justice, we should embrace and celebrate each other — doing so strengthens our capacity to survive oppression without sacrificing who we are. While we don’t all spring from the same tree, we are part of a vast orchard that feeds every one of us. As always, whether it’s bringing out the sun or calling down a storm, we need you!