Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15 and ends on October 15. It’s an important time to recognize the significant contributions that Hispanic Americans have made in our country.
But even as we honor these individuals, there are ongoing tensions over how people label themselves and the way those labels are used. In this week’s edition of the “GMA” inspiration series, we highlight Judith Baca, who uses art to empower communities. Her work tells stories of people who’ve been excluded from the retelling of American history. We also speak with a woman who’s been working to bring more diversity to the fashion industry and the founder of Cuba’s first digital newspaper.
The term Hispanic has been a source of confusion and controversy since the 1960s when it was used as a derogatory name for Mexican and Puerto Ricans by some in the United States Congress. Today, Hispanic heritage covers a broad range of identities, from the 22 nations and territories that make up Latin America, to a person who has family members with roots in those countries or whose primary language is Spanish. As a result, there’s no one descriptor that captures the diverse experiences of those with Hispanic heritage. That’s why, this year, we’re celebrating Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month.
This observance started in 1968 as just a week-long celebration under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded to a month-long observance under President Ronald Reagan in 1988. That change was enacted into law through Public Law 100-402.
There are many ways to celebrate this observance, and each individual is free to choose how they want to honor their hispanic heritage. One way is by learning more about the cultures and histories of the lands and people that comprise Latin America and the various communities in the United States with Hispanic roots. National Park Service programs have an array of opportunities for everyone to do just that.
We also invite you to explore the ways that different communities and individuals describe themselves through language, music, food, and other cultural touchstones. We’ve put together a list of resources to help you do just that.
Whether you want to teach your students about the significance of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month or are looking for new recipes to try, you’ll find resources in our classroom section. These resources include lesson plans, podcasts, videos, and more.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the people, places, and culture that define this important part of the United States. We hope you enjoy this celebration and join us in honoring the vibrant, historic, and thriving community of Hispanic and Latino Americans.