Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the generations of Latinas and Latinos who have shaped the nation. It is a time to honor their contributions in science, education, the arts and the military. And it is a time to celebrate the diversity of their cultures, traditions and cuisines.
The month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, is also a great time to learn more about the rich and varied histories of Hispanic communities. For example, the Smithsonian Institution has a collection of resources on its website that highlight Hispanic culture and history. The site offers online learning opportunities and an opportunity for families to explore a variety of topics such as how Hispanic Americans have contributed to the United States through art, music, dance and food.
In addition, schools and community groups can use the occasion to educate students about Hispanic and Latina/e/o/x heritage and cultures. For example, the National Portrait Gallery has teamed up with Lil’ Libros, a bilingual children’s book publisher, to offer a series of family-friendly events featuring storytelling and arts activities. The Smithsonian’s virtual exhibition also features a collection of photographs of braceros, the farmworkers who traveled to Mexico and other Latin American countries during the Depression era in exchange for work on U.S.-owned farms.
While Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to celebrate and learn about Latino history, it is important to do so throughout the year, experts say. This is because one in four children in the United States is Latino, and a recent study(link is external) found that many schools fail to incorporate Latino history into their curricula.
Another challenge is that the term Latino carries different meanings to different people. For example, some people use the term to describe themselves as being of Latin America, while others use it to refer to themselves as Mexican American, and still others may identify with a particular region of the country such as New Mexico or Texas. In addition, the term Latino encompasses a wide range of ages, backgrounds and experiences.
However, it is important for all Americans to have a firm grasp of the history and heritage of Hispanic and Latina/e/o/x communities, because they are part of this nation’s fabric. In 2020, the Census Bureau reported that 62.1 million Americans identified as Hispanic or Latino — about 18% of the population. And the population is rapidly growing. That is why it is so important to make sure that all Americans understand the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions Latinas and Latinos have made to the United States. Those contributions extend far beyond the 30 days of Hispanic Heritage Month. For example, in the past 10 years, more Hispanics have earned a bachelor’s degree than any other group. They have helped to grow the economy with their labor and have strengthened our social security system. Their contributions are invaluable and worth celebrating. We must continue to strengthen our relationship with the Hispanic and Latina/e/o/x community.