You might have heard of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated September 15 to October 15 in the United States. It celebrates the contributions of Hispanic Americans to American history, culture, and achievements. If you don’t know what that means, here are some things to consider. Let’s start by defining what “Hispanic heritage” means. What is it? For a start, it’s a cultural heritage that encompasses many aspects of a person’s heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 every year. This is a time to appreciate the culture and contributions of the Hispanic community, including the arts, sports, and music. The first national celebration of Hispanic heritage took place under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, and it became a month-long celebration during the presidency of Ronald Reagan in 1988. To celebrate Hispanic heritage, make sure to visit one of the many national parks and participate in events celebrating Latino culture.
Celebrate your Hispanic heritage in your community. If you’re a member of the Latino community, you’re likely to appreciate the importance of celebrating your heritage. Remember that Hispanic heritage means something different to different people. If you’re unsure about how to celebrate it, check out these resources. If you’re not sure about what it means, check out the Mayor’s Proclamation for more information. And don’t forget about Casa San Jose Pittsburgh, the organization serving the Latino community in Pittsburgh.
While Hispanics have been an important part of Virginia’s history, they are not the only ones. Spanish explorers established a Jesuit settlement at the confluence of the James and York rivers in 1570. Spain provided much-needed support to the young colonies during the American Revolution, providing financial, logistical, and manpower resources. Hispanics are also referred to as “Latinos,” a general term for those with Spanish or Latin American heritage. The state of Virginia is home to approximately eighty-seven thousand Latinos, making up 8.6% of the state’s population. Of these, about 56.5% are U.S. born.
While the number of Hispanics in the United States has grown rapidly since 1970, people of Mexican descent represent six-fifths of the overall population. Puerto Ricans make up the second-largest group, with 5.8 million. This group has been growing since then, due to people leaving the island to move to the 50 states. Similarly, Guatemalans have also made significant contributions to the U.S. population.
Despite their significant contributions to American history, Latinos have often been referred to as “Mexicans” in census forms. However, the 1970 Census resulted in a serious undercount of Latinos. As a result, many Latinos identify as “Brown” or “some other race,” instead of the more popular “Latino.”
The Hispanic/X Education Network, a statewide network of educators and community leaders, is one such group. Their goals include improving access, increasing network collaboration, and fostering culturally sensitive campus climates. The organization’s members include community leaders, government officials, funding partners, and researchers. These professionals are dedicated to making sure that students of Latino heritage have a better chance of achieving their educational goals. And as a result, the U.S. Department of Education is doing everything they can to help this population succeed.