This year, National Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Monday, September 15th, and goes until Wednesday, October 15th. It is an annual holiday that was introduced in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the historical traditions, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestors are from Mexico, Spain, and Central and South America. Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15th because it is also the Independence anniversaries of Latin American countries, like Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Mexico.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration and a reminder of strength and the value of the Latino community. It is also when we should acknowledge the challenges Latino Americans face today, and to affirm what is currently happening in many communities: the discrimination, inequality and the lack of recognition should not be accepted. Latino Americans are doing good meaningful work every day. They are building, healing, teaching and creating. They are caregivers, leaders, and changemakers.
These contributions also come from immigrants that make communities stronger, who work hard, raising families and sharing traditions, who believe in the promise of this country and help keep that promise alive. All of their stories and presence matters.
You can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month easily by eating at a Latinx-owned restaurant or by reading a book or poetry written by a Latinx author. You can also visit the showcase of Latinx art on the Hispanic Heritage Month government website. Another simple way to participate is by making an Instagram post about why Hispanic Heritage Month is important
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, lets uplift those stories and support our community, and continue to strive for a more inclusive future for everyone.
