Whether it’s family gatherings, vibrant festivals, or a rich culinary tradition, hispanic heritage has deep roots in the United States and around the world. It’s a culture that focuses on celebrating and honoring the past while building for the future.
From September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the ancestry and culture of more than 65 million people in the U.S. The country’s fastest-growing racial or ethnic group, Hispanics (and Latinos) have made a profound impact on our history and are part of the foundation that makes up the American experience.
As a nation, we celebrate this rich cultural legacy with a monthlong commemoration that recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans in fields from music to law to medicine. NPR’s Hispanic Heritage Month series features a mix of storytelling and original content, including interviews with accomplished Hispanic American professionals and a collection of resources created during NEH-funded professional development programs.
We’ve all heard of a famous baseball player, actress, astronaut, or Supreme Court Justice with Hispanic origins. But there is much more to learn about the diverse people who call our nations home. NPR’s Hispanic Heritage month series, now in its third year, highlights the many inspiring and complex stories of those who have contributed to our shared heritage.
Despite the fact that Hispanic Heritage Month is a national holiday, not all public schools do a good job of teaching about this important aspect of our shared history. The NEH’s Hispanic Heritage Month resources can help bridge this gap by providing educators with lessons, activities, and other classroom resources that will make it easier to incorporate learning about Hispanic American culture into their instruction.
As you prepare to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we ask that you remember these tips for respectful and inclusive discussions:
Use specific terms rather than broad labels (e.g., Mexican, Puerto Rican) whenever possible, and respect how individuals prefer to be identified. Also, pay attention to how people are referred to in their own communities. This will enable you to better understand the unique experiences and perspectives of Hispanic/Latinx communities across the country.