Hispanic Heritage Month is an important time for us to recognize and celebrate the rich culture that makes up our Hispanic community. From the samba beat of Brazil to the tango rhythms of Argentina and the evocative traditions of South America, Latinos have made immense contributions to all aspects of American life, including art, music, literature and politics, from Celia Cruz and Roberto Clemente to Sonia Sotomayor and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Hispanic Americans are leaders in government (41 Hispanics make up the United States Congress), the economy, law enforcement and education, among many other fields. And they are a growing and vibrant force in popular culture, from the food we eat to the songs that fill our radios to the telenovelas that dominate our television screens.
But despite their enormous contributions, Hispanics and Latinos are often overlooked or misunderstood. For example, in one study, it was found that a majority of Hispanic high school students believe that their community experiences discrimination. Likewise, in an earlier survey, 55% of Hispanics reported that they felt their cultural identity was not fully recognized by the United States.
The observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to address these concerns, experts say. By focusing on the richness of Hispanic and Latino culture, the holiday can foster greater understanding and build more inclusive societies.
Promoting Inclusivity
The celebration of Hispanic and Latino heritage provides an ideal opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn more about the culture that shapes their neighbors, co-workers and classmates. Across the country, museums and other educational institutions are offering Hispanic Heritage Month activities, from exhibitions and lectures to performances and workshops.
For example, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is partnering with Lil’ Libros, a children’s book publisher, to host the second Fotos & Recuerdos Festival in Washington, D.C. This year’s event will focus on the artist Frida Kahlo, whose work celebrated Mexican and Hispanic heritage while defying gender norms of her time.
While the word Hispanic can be a bit limiting, it’s an important way to recognize the huge diversity of Latin American nations and cultures. It is also the term that the Census Bureau uses to identify people with ancestors from countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and South America.
In fact, the Hispanic Heritage Month observance originated from a congressional initiative by California Congressman George E. Brown, and the first proclamation was signed on Sept. 15, 1968. Its purpose was to educate the public about the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, while honoring their history and promoting awareness and appreciation for their achievements.
But the Hispanic Heritage Month observance has grown well beyond its initial intent. Today, the month-long commemoration has become a vital tool for educating the public about the diverse and rich culture of Hispanic and Latino communities in America and beyond. Its significance is even more significant given the changing demographics of the United States. According to the 2022 Census, four-in-five Hispanics in the United States are U.S. citizens, and the share of Hispanics who identified as white fell from 53% in 2010 to 20% in 2020.