September 2022 Cultural Awareness: Hispanic Heritage Month

The 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month national theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. The idea for Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated throughout the latter half of September and the first half of October, began as a way 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. Communities mark the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans with festivals and educational activities.

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.  

Five facts about Hispanic Heritage Month

1. Although they are often used interchangeably, the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” have different meanings. 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.
2. According to the latest U.S. Census data, the Hispanic or Latinx population hit 62.1 million — making this community the largest minority group in the country.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Love your cowboy hats? You have Mexican and Spanish ranchers or “rancheros” to thank for that! The traditions, which originated in Mexico and Spain, come from hard-working farmers who used cowboy hats as they worked over their crops and livestock.

Do you want to learn more, including ways to celebrate?

The National Museum of the American Latino, offers bilingual resources like interactive activities.

This TEDx Talk provides insight into what it means to be Hispanic and Latinx,

Calendar of free online events. The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (whew, that’s a lot) jointly pay tribute to the generations of Latinx and Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

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. 

National Hispanic American Heritage Month website.

Explore these curated quotes about Hispanic Heritage Month 

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.

• Celebrating the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans 

• Known for their popular Spanish ASMR TikTok videos, Andrés or better known as @asif.tv on social media educates their viewers on all things Latinx and current events that affect the community. 

• 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’s Guide