The Hispanic culture is a big part of our country. While we have many different Hispanic ethnicities, California has the largest Hispanic population in the United States, with over 14 million Latinos. This month, children are learning about their roots in California, but Spanish culture benefits all children. Here are some facts about our Hispanic heritage. Read on to learn more. You might be surprised to learn that you have Hispanic roots!
A study from the Pew Research Center found that about 5 million people do not identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and approximately 11% of the country’s 42.7 million adults of Hispanic heritage do not identify as such. Census Bureau data shows that the number of people who identify themselves as Latino varies by generation, with foreign-born individuals from Latin America being more likely to identify themselves as Hispanic than fourth-generation immigrants.
The United States government has designated September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions of Hispanics to American society. Originally, September 15 was designated as a commemorative week, but it grew over time to a monthlong commemoration. The civil rights movement and the emergence of multicultural awareness increased the need to celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic community. Now, more Americans are acknowledging the contributions of Hispanics to our society.
In addition to the Hispanic-American community, Latin American countries celebrate their independence days on September 15. In the United States, Puerto Rico celebrates its independence day on October 12. In the Caribbean, Chile and Mexico celebrate their own national holidays on September 18.
Hispanic heritage month began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson’s administration. Initially, it was only a one-week celebration, but the campaign was so successful that President Reagan signed it into law. Originally, it began as Hispanic Heritage Week, but Reagan pushed for a full month-long celebration in 1988. The month is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to October 15, the independence days of five Latin American countries.
As a result, the United States Department of State is recognizing the contributions and presence of Hispanics in the U.S. Hispanics have made to our country, from the Mexican border to the southern plains. In the next decade, the Department of State will highlight the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding Hispanic employees. If you’re a member of the Hispanic community, celebrate it with pride.