What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a yearly celebration of the history and culture of Latinx and Hispanic communities. From September 15 – October 15, we reflect and celebrate how these communities have influenced and contributed to our society.

In June of 1968, California Congressman George E. Brown was the first to push for such a commemoration. At the height of the Civil Rights Movement, there was a growing awareness of the multiculturalism that existed in the United States, and Brown wanted to honor the contributions made by his Latinx and Hispanic constituents on the national level. By September of 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-48, to which Lyndon B. Johnson issued a Hispanic Heritage Week proclamation. Later, as states began to push for a longer commemoration, George H. W. Bush expanded this week to a month–long celebration. Now, September 15 – October 15 is formally known as Hispanic Heritage Month.

The dates were carefully chosen to reflect the celebration of independence across many Latin American nations. The fifteenth of September marks the independence from Spain for Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Similarly, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Now, there are so many ways to celebrate and honor the contributions made by Latinx and Hispanic communities across US history. Many cities host different celebratory events, including concerts, art exhibits, and cultural awareness activities. But there are other ways to independently celebrate, especially since we’re in a pandemic. There are vast amounts of Hispanic literature available at bookstores, offered in both Spanish and English translations. Exhibits at various museums offer a detailed look into the artwork of Hispanic culture and its influence on American art movements. You can find dozens of quality shows, movies, and tv specials on various platforms that were created in Latin American nations worldwide. In fact, Peacock is streaming a Hispanic Heritage collection on their streaming service. Finally, you can simply shop at your local Latin food market, which typically have food trucks and other small businesses, special ingredients for Caribbean, Central and South American dishes, and other opportunities to connect with your local Hispanic and Latinx communities. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!