For the past two weeks, NPR has kicked off National Hispanic Heritage Month, a federally mandated observance that runs through October 15. The month commemorates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors hail from Mexico, parts of the Caribbean and Central and South America. But NPR decided to participate without engaging in a discussion about the existing tensions within Latino communities that stem from this catchall label.
Despite the fact that Hispanic Americans are one of the fastest growing and most influential groups in the country, they aren’t always well represented or appreciated. For example, a recent study(link is external) found that the history of Latinas and Latinos in America is almost completely absent from high school textbooks. And a recent poll(link is external) showed that most Americans don’t realize that Hispanics make up nearly half of the population of Puerto Rico.
So it’s important to take the time this month to recognize those communities and their many accomplishments. And to do so using language that is inclusive and respectful.
To do that, we need to understand the nuances of what we call Hispanic heritage. And it’s a tricky thing to define. Some people see it as the triumvirate of Mexican, Cuban and Spanish, while others view it more as a range that includes any culture from any of the 20 countries in Latin America and Spain.
The term was first used in the late 1960s by President Lyndon B. Johnson to honor the influx of Hispanic immigrants to the United States. Twenty years later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance from a week to the current 31 days, which start on September 15 and end on October 15.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Smithsonian offers a slate of activities that elevate the richness of these communities’ histories. For instance, the National Portrait Gallery is partnering with Lil’ Libros, a children’s book publisher, to host its second Fotos & Recuerdos Festival. Other events include family storytelling, crafts and arts workshops, gallery tours and more.
The Smithsonian also has a wealth of online learning resources that can be used to teach young kids about the diverse heritage of Latinos and Latinas in our country. The site features exhibitions and lessons, including a virtual museum that showcases the work of artists from Mexico and the Caribbean.
The Library of Congress also offers a variety of educational resources for students and families, including the Hispanic Reading Series(link is external), which showcases books written by authors from these communities. And the U.S. Postal Service(link is external) has a new set of Forever stamps that feature pinatas, those handmade party favors you might find hanging at your local grocery store or at a children’s birthday party. The stamps will be available on September 29. They will be sold at participating post offices and online. The stamps are being released in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and to celebrate the contributions made by Latinos and Latinas to the nation.