The United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month each September 15 – October 15. This year’s theme is Latinx: Driving Prosperity, Power & Progress in America. The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is bringing together historic sites that exemplify the rich culture and history of Hispanic Americans, and providing educators with resources to teach students about this important heritage.
Often, Hispanic heritage is defined by language and country of origin. The terms Hispanic and Latino/a cover a wide range of linguistic and geographical origins. Hispanic usually refers to people who speak Spanish or come from a Spanish-speaking country, while Latino/a encompasses a wider range of geographic origins, including countries like Brazil (where Portuguese is the official language). People with multiple ties to various Hispanic and Latin American cultures may identify as either Hispanic or Latino/a depending on their preferences and needs.
On the other hand, a person’s last name and parental background might also impact whether they are considered Hispanic or Latino. According to a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center, for example, when door-to-door census forms asked respondents to self-identify, most Mexicans and Puerto Ricans said they were Hispanic, while most who had parents from Cuba or Central or South America identified as Latino.
Other factors can play a role in whether someone is categorized as Hispanic or Latino, such as skin color. A 2015 survey by the Center found that while whites and people of other racial backgrounds can have the same skin tone, Hispanic and Latino people tend to have lighter-colored skin. This may be related to the fact that Hispanic and Latino people are the largest group of racial or ethnic minorities that are not white in the United States.
Despite the complexity of Hispanic and Latino identities, National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important time to celebrate the diversity of these cultures. It is a time to learn from one another and to support each other’s goals and achievements.
While Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to begin this process, it should continue throughout the year. “Even outside of Hispanic Heritage Month, we can learn from our neighbors, classmates and colleagues,” Key says. “Talk to your grocer, your local restaurant owner or the barista at your coffee shop about their heritage.”
As we celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month this year, let’s remember the many ways in which the diverse groups that comprise these communities have contributed to the American story. We can also learn from the lessons of iconic Hispanic and Latina figures like Frida Kahlo, who used her art to reflect Mexican culture, while empowering and challenging gender norms through unapologetic self-expression. The beauty of her work and life serves as a reminder of the powerful legacy of these cultures. The diversity of these histories and experiences makes the United States a more vibrant, stronger, and more inclusive community.