Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the contributions of Americans with Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Latin American ancestry. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about a rich culture that continues to shape the United States. Here are some tips on how to celebrate.
Start by learning the history of Hispanic America. For example, explore this National Park Service site that highlights historic places in the United States that exemplify Hispanic heritage and culture. Or check out this NEH resource that includes teaching ideas and lesson plans, resources created during NEH summer seminars and institutes, and think pieces about events and experiences that shaped Hispanic America.
Many of the people who will be celebrated this year are Latinos, but some people will choose to identify as Hispanic. Using one of these labels is an important choice for some people because it can engender a sense of shared history and community, which can be meaningful to the people who use them. However, imposing one of these terms on someone else can be offensive and should be avoided.
The term Hispanic first emerged in the 1960s as a result of activists seeking more support for their communities and better representation in federal policymaking. It was used by groups like The National Council of La Raza (now UnidosUS) to unite people with varying identities under a common umbrella and give them a voice in the government.
Today, people with ties to Mexico and other countries in Central and South America commonly identify as Hispanic. In fact, the vast majority of Hispanics in the United States are of Hispanic descent. But the term is also controversial. Some people believe that the word identifies too broadly and should be replaced by Latinx, which is widely used in other parts of the world.
There are many ways to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, but it’s important to remember that people have a right to decide how they want to be identified. If you want to learn more about the history of Mexico or other Latin American countries, try visiting a museum that has exhibits and resources. Alternatively, you can watch a documentary on the subject or listen to a podcast. You could also take a family trip to a local Latino restaurant or attend a Mexican Independence Day parade.
It’s also important to have conversations with friends, neighbors, and coworkers to understand what Hispanic Heritage means to them. Ask how they would like to be identified, what their ancestry is, and how they feel about the terms Hispanic and Latino.