These are just a few Hispanics that have made their mark on American culture. Every September, however, hundreds of Latinos in the United States are celebrated in what has become known as Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 16, Hispanic Heritage Month is just one way to highlight, celebrate and recognize the contributions of Latinos to mainstream American—from the sciences and politics to the arts and activism and sports to education.

It is a time to share traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America and the Caribbean.  The month also recognizes the independence days of five Latin American countries.

In a time of misguided media stereotypes and negative news coverage, Hispanic Heritage Month is also a chance to educate and correct misrepresentations and misconceptions of Hispanics.

“Organic conversation is binding,” said Cynthia Pleitez, marketing & social media strategist at Velázquez Press, an authority in dual language programs and biliteracy in America that also launches culturally-relevant and educational Hispanic Heritage Month public awareness campaigns on social media. “What Hispanic Heritage Month is not is a sombrero-wearing, half-off drinks, all-you can eat buffet or promotion. It all starts with honest dialogue.

“It’s important for the general public to know that Hispanic Heritage Month is about cultural pride and solidarity through understanding and celebration of our unique contributions through food, music, literature and the arts. We’re 58 million+ threads woven into the great fabric of this country.”

Hispanic Heritage Month Origin

Hispanic Heritage Month started 50 years ago as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1968, Congress passed “Public Law 90-498,” which “authorized and requested the U.S. president issue an annual proclamation designating the week including September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week…and calling upon the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”   

It spotlighted and celebrated Hispanic Americans for their achievements and contributions to the United States. In a gesture of goodwill, it also celebrates and brings to light the independence days of Latin American countries that fell during the week. These include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as Mexico and Chile.

President Lyndon B. Johnson was the first to announce the proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968.

In 1988, Public Law 100-402 was passed by Congress, amending Public Law 90-498 and establishing National Hispanic Heritage Month instead, starting September 15 and lasting 31 days. President George H. W. Bush was the first to make this proclamation.  

Each president can add his/her own special touch to the annual proclamation. In 2009, for example, President Barack Obama stated in part: “…The story of Hispanics in America is the story of America itself. The Hispanic community’s values—love of family, a deep and abiding faith, and a strong work ethic—are America’s values…

The Stats, The Influence

According to various studies, surveys and reports in conjunction with the 2015 U.S. Census report, the Hispanic population is a major presence in the United States and will continue to grow. This population affects every facet of American living, influencing economy, culture and contributions in a variety of fields. Hispanic Heritage Month influencers stem from these 2015 statistics:

• The Hispanic population of the United States was 56.6 million, making it the largest ethnic or racial minority—and 17.6 percent of the nation’s total population.

• The projected Hispanic population of the United States in 2060 is 119 million, which means it will constitute 28.6 percent of the nation’s population.

• 63.4 percent of Hispanics were of Mexican origin. 9.5 percent were Puerto Rican, 3.8 percent Salvadoran, 3.7 percent Cuban, 3.3 percent Dominican and 2.4 percent Guatemalan. The rest come from Central and South American or other Hispanic or Latino origin.

• 40 million U.S. residents age 5 and older spoke Spanish at home. More than half (59 percent of all Spanish speakers and 57.4 percent of Hispanic Spanish speakers) spoke English “very well.”

• 9 states have 1 million or more Hispanic residents—Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Texas.

Embrace And Educate

Many institutions, educators and non-profits take the month to heart with outreach efforts to put Latinos in the spotlight and educate the general population. Here are a few resources:

• The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (https://hispanicheritage.org/) – A non-profit organization that identifies, inspires, prepares and connects Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce.

• The Smithsonian Institution Latino Center (http://latino.si.edu/) – Ensures the contributions of the Latino community in the arts, history, national culture and scientific achievement are explored, presented, celebrated and preserved. 

• The Library of Congress Hispanic Division (https://blogs.loc.gov/international-collections/category/hispanic-division/) – Part of the “4 Corners of the World, International Collection,” which offers books, audio recordings, newspapers, magazines, lectures and more.

• Texas A&M University Latino/a and Mexican American Studies Certificate Program (http://catalog.tamu.edu/graduate/colleges-schools-interdisciplinary/liberal-arts/interdepartmental-degree-programs/latino-and-mexican-american-studies-certificate/) – An interdisciplinary field of study that focuses on issues connected with Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and other U.S.-based Latino/a communities.

Finally, Hispanic Heritage Month offers a moment to reflect on just how much Hispanics are an American asset and representative of today’s America. “It’s 2018, and the American climate has changed,” Pleitez explained. “Hispanics are technologically savvy (consistently over-indexing on social media), we’re ingenious (one of the fastest growing segments of our small business sector) and we’re thriving. It’s time we embrace one another’s cultures.” •