With a population of more than 18 million, the people of hispanic heritage represent one of the fastest-growing groups in America. It’s important to celebrate and learn about the history and culture of this community, as well as the ongoing fight for equity and justice.
National Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as a weeklong celebration sponsored by Congressman George E. Brown of California. The push for recognition of this community grew out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s and a growing awareness of America’s multi-cultural identities.
Whether your family celebrates with traditional food and dance, or by learning about famous Latino writers and artists, this month is an opportunity to introduce children to the beauty of Latin America and its rich history.
For kids, the Smithsonian is offering a slate of activities elevating Hispanic heritage, including art and craft workshops, story times and gallery tours. Its National Portrait Gallery is also teaming up with Lil’ Libros, a bilingual children’s book publisher, for the second Fotos & Recuerdos festival. In addition to exhibits, the two organizations are hosting a series of events that will spotlight Hispanic authors and illustrators.
Families can celebrate Hispanic heritage by reading books and playing games that explore the culture. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, for example, hosts a Dia de los Muertos block party where club members help make food, music and decorations to honor their ancestors. And for an evening of family fun, try playing Loteria, Mexico’s version of Bingo. This game calls on players to match words called out (like el arbol – the tree, or el camaron – the shrimp) to their game board.
In the classroom, teachers can celebrate Hispanic heritage by highlighting contributions made by Latinos across multiple fields of study. This is especially true for STEM fields, where Latinos have made important strides in the scientific and technological world. In fact, a number of Nobel prize winners have roots in the Americas, including Alberto Mora, Ramón Correa and Luis Enrique Iglesias González.
Hispanic heritage is also a powerful lens through which to understand the legacy of colonialism in the Americas. Those who are Hispanic or Latino can find themselves in the position of defending, supporting or simply speaking up for communities that have been affected by European colonization and slavery.
It’s important to recognize Hispanic heritage by also discussing the impact of the legacy of colonialism on indigenous communities. It’s a complex issue, and we encourage families to look for ways to educate themselves on the complex history of the Americas, including the deep resistance of many native communities against the colonization of Spain.
For more information on the health equity struggles faced by Hispanics in Connecticut, you can use our Health Equity Report Card, which automatically generates local data and maps comparing the Hispanic community to other communities in your county on key health equity indicators like location affordability, housing and transit access, child opportunity, and food security.