Whether they explored the Western frontier on horseback or helped develop early color transmission systems for televisions, people of Hispanic heritage have been helping shape America since before the Declaration of Independence was signed. And they continue to contribute in areas like science, arts and literature. National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs September 15 to October 15, is a good time to recognize their contributions and celebrate them.
It’s also an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn more about a diverse population in the United States, which includes those of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Dominican, Guatemalan and Colombian descent, as well as those of Spanish-speaking countries in Central and South America. And that diversity makes it important to use the right term when talking about those people, experts say.
“The word Hispanic is problematic in that it erases all of the centuries of pre-Columbian history, culture and civilizations that existed prior to the European colonization of the Americas,” says Garcia, whose organization is helping to build an American Latino Museum in Washington, DC. It also alienates indigenous communities and Afro-Latinos, he adds, whose history often included resistance to Spain’s rule over the Americas. “This is why it’s important to use the more inclusive terms Latinx and Hispanic/Latina.”
In 2022, Hispanics of Mexico or Puerto Rico made up the largest group of Americans with Hispanic origin at about 37.4 million, while the next biggest group was those of Puerto Rican or other Caribbean origin at about 5.9 million. And there were roughly 1 million each of those of Spanish, Salvadoran or Dominican origin.
But even with such a large group, experts caution that there is still much to be learned about Hispanics and their cultures in the United States. They can help us better understand a world that is changing rapidly, they say.
And there are ways to begin learning, experts say, beyond the monthlong celebration. For instance, it’s a good time to reach out and connect with people who may be new to your neighborhood or workplace. Talk to your grocer or a local restaurant owner who is Hispanic, for example.
Educators can also seek out lessons on Hispanic heritage from government agencies, museums and other educational organizations. For example, the Library of Congress has a collection of Hispanic heritage resources(link is external) including books, videos and websites. And the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures has educator resources, including online exhibits and bilingual activities, on topics such as food, music, art, sports, religion and family traditions. The Smithsonian also has an educational page dedicated to Hispanic heritage(link is external), with lesson plans and interactive maps for teachers. The National Park Service offers more than 500 free or low-cost events to honor Hispanic heritage, and its National Hispanic Heritage Museum(link is external) is set to open in Washington, DC, in 2024. It will be the nation’s first national museum devoted to telling the story of American Hispanics and their role in U.S. history, culture and the economy.