Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each September 15 through October 15. This event honors the culture and contributions of both Latino and Hispanic Americans to our country. During the month, many cultural events are organized, such as art exhibitions, concerts, and parades. In addition, educational events are held to educate the public on the history and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Hispanic influences are tightly woven into the fabric of American culture. It’s evident in music, food, film, art, and politics. Those with Hispanic heritage can be found all over live casino online the country, including states like California where more than 14 million people identify as Hispanic or Latino.
In 2021, Hispanics accounted for about one in five people living in the United States. And that number has been growing faster than the population as a whole. The increase is largely due to immigration. In fact, in the decade between 2010 and 2020, nearly half of all population growth was caused by immigration.
While the Hispanic population has been on the rise, it’s important to remember that Latin America and the Caribbean are a very diverse region. The term “Hispanic” often feels ill-fitting to this very broad region, and even more so for the millions of people who live within it.
The word Hispanic, or Latino, essentially refers to someone’s culture or origin rather than their race. Those who identify as Hispanic or Latino come from 22 countries and territories, including Mexico, Spain, and the island nations of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. And while the term Hispanic has been in use for decades, the push to recognize the Latinx community gained momentum during the civil rights movement when awareness of the need for a more inclusive language was growing.
Using the term Latino is also more inclusive than Hispanic because it recognizes that there are multiple cultures that fall under this umbrella. Hispanics can be of any race, but Latinos are a mix of races as well. People who choose to identify as Latino, Latina, or Latinx do so because it reflects their uniqueness and the diversity of their backgrounds.
Hispanics and Latinos are vital to the American economy, and their history has shaped our nation’s culture. This is why it’s so important to honor their heritage and celebrate the contributions they have made to our country. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, the U.S. Department of State recommends learning more about the country’s Latino history, and putting that knowledge into action. You can even use the Health Equity Report Card to see how your county stacks up in areas like housing, transit, poverty, and education compared to other counties across the country.