With National Hispanic Heritage Month underway, now is an ideal time to learn about the rich histories and cultures of people from Mexico, parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Spain. In the United States, the term Hispanic is used to describe people of Spanish, Cuban, or Latino descent.
But it’s important to keep in mind that these groups are diverse and may prefer different terms. Using one term over another can make the conversation confusing, so it’s best to ask people what they want to be called.
Hispanics and Latinos are a growing population in the United States. They currently represent around half of the total US population growth between 2010 and 2020, according to the Census Bureau.
As such, it’s essential to understand their contributions and how they shape our country. But learning about them goes beyond a month-long celebration.
There are many ways to honor the diversity of Hispanic and Latino heritages, from visiting local museums to taking part in cultural festivals. There are also online resources to help people get a deeper understanding of these heritages.
For example, the Smithsonian has a collection of online learning resources on Latino history and culture that can be used by educators or families. And it has an interactive virtual exhibit on the history of Hispanic Americans.
Those interested in learning more can also read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or attend live programming related to Hispanic and Latino communities and their history. Educators can also use these resources to incorporate the theme of Hispanic Heritage into their classroom lessons.
And there’s more:
A great place to start is the Hispanic Initiative, a new effort at the Department of Education to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or ZIP code, have access to a high-quality public education. The initiative’s goals include improving the quality of instruction for Hispanic and other students by addressing teacher training, support for schools and communities, and the distribution of instructional materials. For more information, visit the initiative’s website.