People of Hispanic origin represent one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States. And with Hispanic Heritage Month occurring each fall from September 15 to October 15, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the cultures, histories and contributions of these Americans.
But even with all that growth, many Americans still have a hard time understanding what it means to be Hispanic or Latino. And that confusion extends to the terminology used in talking about these communities. Whether it’s Hispanic or Latino, Heritage or Latinx, these words are not interchangeable, as each term has its own specific meaning and history.
Historically, Hispanics were identified by the country where their families originated. That’s why many prefer to use specific identifiers, like Mexicans or Puerto Ricans, in reference to themselves. Others may prefer more general identifiers, like Latino or Afro-Latino.
These differences in identity and language are a good reason to keep the Hispanic Heritage Month conversation going. The more that we talk about what it means to be Hispanic or a Latino, the better prepared we will all be for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the United States citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and parts of the Caribbean. It began as a week-long celebration under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, and was expanded to a month two decades later by President Ronald Reagan. Its official start date is September 15, which coincides with the independence anniversaries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The end of the month is October 15, which reflects the anniversaries of Mexico and Chile.
During this time, it is important to recognize the many accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, and to teach young people about their rich culture. The Library of Congress’s Hispanic Heritage Month webpage has a collection of blogs, performances, workshops, exhibits and more. There is also a video series that examines the many contributions made by Hispanic Americans.
Another great way to honor Hispanic heritage is to support locally-owned businesses that are owned by Latinos. For example, if you are looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant, consider choosing a restaurant that is locally owned by a Hispanic family. By shopping at these types of businesses, you help to ensure that more money stays within the community.
In addition to supporting Latino-owned businesses, it’s also important to support Hispanic heritage in the classroom by teaching students about the contributions of Hispanic Americans. According to a Minority Veterans Report by the Department of Veteran Affairs, more than 1.2 million military members are of Hispanic descent. These men and women have served in every war since the Revolutionary War, including both on and off American soil.
Ultimately, heritage and identity are personal, and the language that we use to describe them is constantly evolving. Using the right word or terms helps us to communicate more clearly and effectively. In the end, the most important thing is to celebrate, respect and learn more about Hispanic or Latino culture — because it’s an amazing part of our shared identity.