Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15–Oct. 15
We can Live the Love by embracing our Hispanic/Latinx sisters and brothers through recognition, education and celebration.
So, why does it start mid-month?
September 15th was chosen as the kickoff date since it coincides with national Independence Day celebrations of five countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), followed by Mexico on September 16th, Chile on the 18th, and Belize on the 21st.
Recognition
Acknowledge the breadth of Hispanic/Latinx contributions in this country.
- Check out Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States https://learninglab.si.edu/collections/nuestra-am%C3%A9rica-30-inspiring-latinaslatinos-who-have-shaped-the-united-states/MakuDQIEBA5UsG2P
- Follow and support Latinx and Hispanic influencers and advocates.
- Read books written by Latinx or Hispanic authors and poets.
Education
Immerse yourself in the culture and experience a new perspective.
- Watch this TEDx Talk (12 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1A4Vsh5Qas that provides insight into what it means to be Hispanic and Latinx, while also asking us to dig deeper into the common stereotypes and assumptions that many in this community face.
- Watch a documentary or listen to a podcast about the Latinx experience. (See resources link above)
- Go to a museum or take a virtual tour of a museum or famous site. (See resources link above)
Celebration
Join in the variety of Hispanic/Latinx fiestas.
- Attend an event, which can include traditional dances, live music, art displays, and food stalls. Support your local community by seeking out, showing up and taking part in any of the special cultural events.
- Expand your music experience; NPR’s tiny desk series featured Latinx artists: https://www.npr.org/series/1121340930/el-tiny-x-latinx-heritage-month-2022
Take Action
Do something to make a difference.
- Donate to Latinx or Hispanic nonprofits and community organizations.
- #SpendLikeItMatters Support Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses
- Tell Congress to create a pathway for our 11 million undocumented immigrants (DACA).
The word Hispanic originates from the English translation of the Spanish “Hispano,” meaning a person whose cultural traditions originate from Spain. Unfortunately this ignores the history, culture and civilizations that existed before the European conquest and colonization of the Americas. It alienates indigenous and Afro-Latino communities whose history include deep resistance to the Spanish invasion and is not necessarily tied to Spain.