As the country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month this September, it’s a good time to learn more about the storied and vibrant culture of Americans whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. More than 65 million people now identify as Hispanic or Latino, and they represent the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S.
Hispanics have made profound contributions to our economy, society and culture in many ways. They are innovators, leaders, pioneers and trailblazers — in the arts, education, business, sports and science, to name a few areas. They are our neighbors, co-workers and friends. The annual observance is an opportunity to recognize their achievements and honor their many contributions.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, and it can mean different things to each individual. It can be as simple as attending a local cultural festival or volunteering to support Latino communities in need. Or, it can be as involved as establishing an academic scholarship for students of Latino origin.
The debate over how to refer to the population reflects its complexity and is indicative of the broad range of cultures, identities and histories that are represented by the people deemed Hispanic or Latino. The term Latino has become popular in recent years, but critics argue that it erases the centuries of pre-Columbian history and culture that existed in the 22 nations and territories that make up Latin America. The non-gendered terms Latina and Latinx have emerged as alternatives that are gaining acceptance among young people, educators and companies alike.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, the National Hispanic Heritage Month website provides plenty of resources to do so. The site offers a variety of activities, events and exhibitions, and it also features teaching and learning materials that can be used in classrooms.
For example, if you’re looking for ideas for how to teach about the Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos), this site has a virtual museum and a collection of K-12 curriculum resources. Other resources include a virtual exhibit about the legacy of baseball great Chico Rivera and an overview of American women like Helen Rodriguez-Trias who have broken boundaries for Latinos.
The website also offers a list of books that can help you explore Hispanic and Latino heritage and culture. And it has a variety of podcasts that highlight various aspects of the community, including Latino food, music and dance.
The National Hispanic Heritage Month site also highlights notable Latinos who have made significant contributions to society, such as journalist Jorge Ramos and civil rights activist Andy Garcia. It also has a list of organizations that promote Hispanic and Latino issues, such as the National Hispanic Foundation for Democracy. And it has an interactive map that shows how the Hispanic and Latino population has grown in various parts of the United States over the years. This map is updated periodically based on Census data.