Hispanic Heritage Month is a national celebration that occurs in September and October. It’s about celebrating how Latino communities have shaped our nation and the many contributions that they continue to make. The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month also serves as an opportunity to educate others about the richness of this culture.
When we talk about Hispanic heritage, it’s important to note that this is a very broad term. A person of Hispanic heritage can identify as being from, or a descendant of someone from any country that speaks the Spanish language and has a history of colonization by Spain. This includes countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean Islands. Because of this, there is a lot of diversity within the Hispanic community. Each culture has its own music, food and art, and has unique nuances that are influenced by historical events. For example, a student may choose to go by their ethnic identity as being Chicano, while another may prefer to identify as Puerto Rican American. The Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) on campus is hosting a social justice read this semester, “Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home.” To learn more about this book or the event, you can visit their club page on Owl Connect or attend weekly meetings Monday from 3-4 p.m. in Adanti 301.
The idea for a Hispanic Heritage Week was first proposed by Congressman Edward R. Roybal and then passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. The weeklong commemoration was expanded to a month two decades later, with legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan. It is observed in the month of September, which was chosen because it marks the anniversary of when Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1810 with the Grito de Dolores.
For students, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn more about the different cultures that make up our community and how they have contributed to society. It’s also a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, including trailblazers like Roberto Clemente, Ellen Ochoa and Sonia Sotomayor.
Educators can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring art pieces from different epochs and styles and learning about the lives of artists. They can compare and contrast different regions of Latin America and their contributions to the world, and conduct interviews with members of the Hispanic community on their family’s history. They can also write modern-day social media threads or entertainment pieces on interesting historical characters and share these with their classes.
The Hispanic population continues to grow in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, four-in-five Hispanics are U.S. citizens, with most of the current Hispanic population residing in the states. The data also shows that the majority of Hispanics were born in the United States or its territories and are descendants of immigrants who came to this country seeking opportunity. Learn more about Hispanics in the United States by visiting the Hispanic Fact Sheet 2022.