Hispanic Heritage Month 2021: Here’s The History

Hispanic Heritage Month is here. But what is it really about? It celebrates the achievements of Hispanic American championswho have inspired others to achieve success. Every year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, which honors the “histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central, and South America,” according to the Library of Congress. The observation started in 1968, as Hispanic Heritage Week, under President Lyndon Johnson. President Ronald Reagan later expanded it in 1988 to cover 30 days, beginning on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. How do people celebrate around the world?

“The rich ethnic heritage of Hispanic Americans gives us cause to celebrate because it is a proud and colorful portion of our nation’s heritage.”

-President George H.W. Bush

How is Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated?

Its cultural relevance is overarching, with Sept. 15 being Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, in the duration of the month-long period of celebrations are Mexico and Chile’s independence days and Dia de la Raza, a national holiday in Mexico. In the United States, this holiday celebrates Hispanic culture in a multitude of ways.

Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S.

Reading and listening

Some workplaces focus on learning more about the history behind the celebrated holiday. To further understand the past, some companies bring in speakers to conduct special presentations, prompting thoughtful discussion around gender, race and identity in the workplace. If you’re curious about how to understand Hispanic Heritage Month further, you can find featured reading and documentaries at your local library. And by contacting the local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in your area, you can find more connections and further understand the roots of your community.

Let’s eat.

Friends and families take this time to celebrate their successes in both work and life. Surrounded by cultural food, music, decorations and more, this month was made to be a party. In many cities throughout the U.S., concerts, food fairs and parades bring together people from all over. Food is an excellent way of experiencing another heritage, and eating together is one easy way to appreciate the core of a culture.

Get involved!

Volunteering with local nonprofits and charities is an excellent way to help the community and form lasting relationships. Pool extra funds together to arrange a fundraiser to support related causes. Or sometimes, the gift of money can go beyond any volunteer work. For example, Voto Latino, a Latinx civics organization that hopes to boost Latino civic engagement in the U.S., and RAICES, an organization dedicated to providing legal services to both documented and undocumented refugees and immigrants, are both great resources.