From entertainers and scientists to astronauts and judges, Hispanic Americans have contributed significantly to our country’s history. The current Hispanic Heritage Month—which runs from September 15 to October 15—is a great opportunity to learn more about this rich heritage and culture, which we celebrate every day in our schools, businesses, and communities.
Hispanic Heritage Month honors the history, diverse cultures, and contributions of Latinos whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Central America, and South America. These people forged connections between the United States and the countries from which their ancestors originated, creating an interconnected system of families, languages, and traditions that continues to thrive today.
One of the most important aspects of Hispanic heritage is language. Almost half of all Hispanic Americans identify as bilingual, and many use Spanish at home or in the workplace. It is also important to remember that Hispanic Americans are the only racial group in the United States that has grown at a faster rate than any other.
This is in part due to the influx of newcomers from Latin America, but it’s also because the country is becoming increasingly diverse, which has made it necessary for more Hispanic and Latina Americans to be able to communicate effectively with other groups.
As a result, we’ve seen the emergence of new vocabulary in the United States. One example is the term “Latinx,” which has become more popular than Hispanic or Latino. Proponents say that the term embraces the diversity of Hispanic and Latin American identity while also offering gender inclusivity. While the term is widely adopted, it’s not without its critics.
Another area of hispanic heritage that we can all learn more about is the country’s vibrant cuisine. There are countless recipes that can be found online, but we can also learn more about the cultural context in which these dishes were created. For instance, we can learn about the fusion of Mexican and Spanish food that has given birth to tacos and chimichangas.
While the United States has a long history of celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture, the nation’s first Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as a week-long celebration. Congress later expanded the holiday to its current 31-day duration under President Ronald Reagan, and it is now a public law in the United States Statutes at Large.
The United States can look to Hispanic and Latino Americans as a model of how we can build a more inclusive society. In 2020, there were an estimated 62 million people who identified as Hispanic or Latino—making up 18% of the total population. These individuals are a reminder of the diversity, strength and resilience that lies at the heart of Hispanic heritage. And they can inspire us to honor that rich legacy in the future.