Until relatively recently, Hispanic heritage wasn’t really celebrated in the United States. But with the country’s largest racial minority now making up over 62 million Americans, Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to honor cultures and experiences that are often overlooked.
For many people with Hispanic heritage, it is a chance to learn more about their family’s history and culture. It can also be an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of their ancestors who helped make America what it is today, from making historic advancements in society to fighting for the freedom of all Americans.
The term Hispanic encompasses people with heritage rooted in any of the Latin American countries. However, the term is not without controversy. Some people choose to identify as Latinx or Latina instead of Hispanic, and there are others who feel the catch-all phrase erases their identity. NPR’s Hispanic/Latino Lawyer Network spoke with several of these individuals to find out what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them.
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 to October 15, and it is an opportunity to celebrate the cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from any of the Hispanic or Latin American countries. The observance was established to recognize the people who made significant contributions to the United States and celebrate their accomplishments.
Some of the most common ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month include eating food from countries and territories such as Argentina, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico. Other people enjoy learning about the history of these cultures, and some like to watch films based on Hispanic authors or directed by Hispanic directors. Those who want to celebrate the diversity of these cultures can even go to local museums that offer educational programs or exhibits.
For some, Hispanic Heritage Month is about recognizing the struggles of their ancestors and the resilience they showed to make a better life for themselves. It is a time to remember how far the nation has come, and to see how much further there is still to go.
In a country that values diversity, it is important to celebrate the many contributions of Hispanics. The national Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is a good way to do that, and it is a month that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
There are more than 13 states with over a million Hispanics, and the population in those states is growing. In 2021, New York had the highest Hispanic population in the US at 3.9 million people. Other states with a large Hispanic population include Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina. The states with the smallest Hispanic populations are Vermont (14,000), West Virginia (27,000) and South Dakota (41,000). However, in recent years, there has been a growth in the number of people who identify as Hispanic or Latino. This has led to an increase in Hispanic Heritage Month events across the country. The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: Be Proud of Your Past, Embrace Your Future takes place this year from September 15 to October 15. Those who are interested in celebrating can check out a list of local and national events that will be happening around the country.