Every year Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15 and ends on Oct. 15. According to hispanicheritagemonth.gov,
“The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15.”
Sept. 15 is a significant day for the Hispanic culture because it is the day of independence for several Latin American countries. According to Oprahmag.com, other countries like “Mexico, Chile, and Belize became independent on the 16th, 18th, and 21st,” respectively.
There are many ways to explain what Hispanic Heritage Month is. The Hispanic heritage “is a period meant for recognition, education, and celebration” of Hispanic culture and acknowledges the impact of the Hispanic culture on America. According to census.gov, “Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society and culture.”
As reported by nbcnewyork.com, it has been “a national celebration to honor the history, culture, and influence of past generations who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central, and South America.”
For over “40 years,” Hispanic Heritage Month has been a big celebration throughout America. This celebration instills pride and joy for many Hispanics. The creation of this holiday has brought out the importance of diversity everywhere.
Many events take place in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Usually, the Smithsonian hosts a Hispanic Heritage Month community day every year. The events that normally take place allow people
to learn more about the culture. Many of these even contain food, music, and performances. According to Si.edu, people can “create art inspired by Latinx artists, learn to draw the human figure in motion, and move your body during performances and workshops with the Washington Ballet and the Discovery Theater.”
Another event that takes place annually are the Hispanic Heritage Awards. According to Hispanicheritage.com, the “Hispanic Heritage Awards were established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month in America. Since that time, the Hispanic Heritage Awards are considered among the highest honors for Hispanics by Hispanics.” Some of the best Latino performers come to this event to celebrate the Hispanic heritage. These award ceremonies are “supported by nearly 40 national Hispanic-serving institutions who
co-host the program.”
This year because of the circumstances, many events will be moved to virtual events. Events like #MiCultura2020 Celebration Kick-Off, Reading is Power, w/ Dr. Khalid White, Making Change Happen with Mariela Romero, and Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples w/David Escobar will be taking place virtually starting on Sept. 15. Events like these push the importance of diversity and also show diversity has grown in America. It is important for people to know Hispanic heritage and to learn about other cultures. For more information on other events that will be taking place visit diversitybestpractices.com
Graphic by Lizzy Talbert
