Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
Submitted by : The Inclusion. Diversity. Equity. Advocacy (I.D.E.A) Committee
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15th -October 15th , it began as a way for communities to mark the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans with festivals and educational activities. Today, this celebration continues to promote the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans — specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It is a time to celebrate and appreciate colorful cultures, rich histories, and diversity of Hispanic Heritage. The 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month national theme is ‘Prosperity, Power, and Progress’.
This TEDx Talk 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.
Did you Know?
- The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” have different meanings, although they are often used interchangeably. The term Hispanic refers to someone who comes from or is a descendant of a Spanish-speaking country, whereas Latina or Latino (or the gender-neutral, Latinx) refers to someone who comes from Latin America or is a descendant from any Latin American country.This means that a person can be both Hispanic and Latinx, however, not all Latinx people are Hispanic. For instance, Brazilians are Latinos, but their native language is not Spanish.
- According to the latest U.S. Census data, the Hispanic population hit 62.1 million — making this community the largest ethnic group in the country.
- There were actually two different attempts to make Hispanic Heritage Month happen. In 1987, Representative Esteban Torres of California tried to expand National Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long occasion, which would “allow our nation to properly observe and coordinate events and activities to celebrate Hispanic culture and achievement.” Though it was unsuccessful in getting passed in Congress, Senator Paul Simon of Illinois later submitted a similar bill, which was eventually signed by President Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1988.
- Instead of celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, Mexicans observe the Día de la Raza (Race Day) on October 12th, which recognizes the mixed Indigenous and European heritage of Mexico.
Further your learning:
- Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
- Thirty inspiring Latinos/Latinas that have helped shape the US.
- The National Museum of the American Latino, offers bilingual resources like interactive activities.
- Latino USA is a nationally syndicated public radio program distributed by NPR that brings together a diverse set of Latinx voices to shed light on the current cultural, political, and social issues impacting the Latinx community and our nation today.
- 24 Activities to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
- Quotes about Hispanic Heritage Month
- Latino Americans, a PBS documentary series, is the first major documentary series for television to chronicle the rich and diverse history and experiences of the Latino population. It’s a story of the anguish, celebration, and gradual reconstruction of an American identity that connects and empowers millions of people today.
Consider Following and supporting Latinx and Hispanic influencers and advocates.America's cultural diversity has always been a great strength of our Nation. The Hispanic-American community has a long and important history of commitment to our Nation's core values, and the contributions of this community have helped make our country great. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the many achievements of Hispanic Americans and recognize their contributions to our country.
- Daphne Frias is an activist, organizer, and storyteller who is proudly disabled. Not only is she a champion for the disabled community (and often uses her page to inform others on how to be a better ally to disabled people) but she also diligently advocates for pressing social issues such as climate change and gun violence.
- Sara Mora is a Puerto Rican-born immigrant rights activist who immigrated to the United States with her family when she was just three years old. As an undocumented teenager in New Jersey, she joined the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). Today, she’s a leading voice in the fight for immigrants’ rights and is the co-president of Women’s March Youth Empower.
- Ramon Contreras is an Afro-Latino public affairs strategist and activist based out of Harlem, New York. After losing his friend to gun violence, Contreras founded ‘Youth over Guns’, an organization dedicated to bringing awareness to gun violence in Black and Latinx communities
TEACHER RESOURCES
Lessons and Activities for Students
K-12 Lessons and Activities: Hispanic Heritage
For Elementary and Middle School Educators: Hispanic Heritage Lessons, free printables, etc.
FREE resources for teachers to teach Hispanic Heritage
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