WHAT IT IS

From hispanicheritagemonth.gov:
“The observation of National Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

Mis Madres
“Mis madres”, print by Ester Hernandez, 1986

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.”

From The American Presidency Project: Proclamation 10257—National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2021: “National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important reminder of how much strength we draw as a Nation from our immigrant roots and our values as a Nation of immigrants. I am proud to recognize my four Hispanic Cabinet Secretaries—Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman—who are all leading executive departments that oversee critical components of American life.”

More resources
Smithsonian Institute

how to celebrate

  1.  Support Hispanic or Latinx-owned businesses
  2. Try out a new Hispanic-inspired meal
  3. Create a playlist of Hispanic and Latinx musicians
  4. Take a dance class
  5. Check local museums for Hispanic Heritage displays/events
  6. Take a Spanish-language class
  7. Watch a Spanish-language film
  8. Donate to a cause benefitting the Hispanic/Latinx community
  9. Remember this is more than a month, use this opportunity to plugin and discover the Hispanic community in your area