Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. The month runs from September 15 to October 15, and Americans are encouraged to appreciate the diverse Latino community and its many stories and experiences.
Hispanics and Latinos are a growing portion of the American population. The 2020 census showed that 62.1 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino, which represents 18% of the total US population. But it’s also important to remember that Hispanic Heritage is a complex and constantly evolving identity, experts say.
It’s important to honor marginalized histories, but special events in isolation can reinforce stereotypes rather than challenge them, argues Margie Del Castillo of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. “Instead of focusing on the mainstream definition of Hispanic, we need to shift the conversation and prioritize Black, indigenous and brown Hispanic and Latinx voices,” she tells USA TODAY.
For example, the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations typically focus on Mexican culture and history, which can exclude other Latinx communities — including those from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela. And the word Hispanic itself is a colonial term that’s not inclusive of the many Latin American languages and identities, according to research conducted by the National Association for Chicano Studies.
In the classroom, teachers can use the month as an entry point to learn more about their students’ Hispanic and Latino backgrounds, Key says. That could mean using books, watching documentaries – she suggests PBS’ series on Latino America or the podcast “Latino USA” – or engaging with local museums that have Hispanic and Latino content and collections.
Another way to support the Hispanic and Latino community is by donating to organizations that understand and address the needs of immigrant children, families and communities, she says. That includes RAICES, which offers free or low-cost immigration legal services and works toward both short- and long-term solutions for undocumented immigrants.
It’s also important to recognize that Hispanic Heritage is an expansive and varied identity, experts add. The terms Hispanic and Latino can be used interchangeably, but the word Latinx — which encompasses both genders — has become more prevalent in recent years as people recognize that one descriptor cannot capture the spirit and diversity of a community that spans from present-day Southwestern U.S. states to the southern most tip of South America. It’s not uncommon to see people identify as Mexican, Salvadoran, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Guatemalan or any of the other 22 countries and territories that comprise Latin America. Other names that are commonly used include Chicano, Tejano, Boricua, Latina and Afro-Latina. Regardless of how they’re described, people who identify as Hispanic or Latino are part of a vibrant and growing community. And that’s something everyone should celebrate.