Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month (LHHM) runs from September 15 to October 15. Dedicated to celebrating the culture and history of Latinx people in the United States, Congress implemented LHHM in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. The week was later extended to a month in 1988.
Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month offers us the opportunity to learn about, explore, and celebrate the incredible influence that Latinx people have had on the United States for generations.
You may be wondering why the celebration begins in mid-September, and that’s because it coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all celebrate their independence on September 15, followed by Mexico on September 16, Chile on September 18 and Belize on September 21.
The Origins of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month
As mentioned, this month of celebration began with a week-long celebration introduced in June 1968 by a California congressman. George E. Brown.
As the civil rights movement of the 1960s drew to a close, a growing movement to recognize the contributions of minority populations in America emerged. Because George E. Brown represented East Los Angeles, as well as the majority of the San Gabriel Valley (primarily Latinx communities), he wanted to ensure that these communities would receive national recognition for the role they have played throughout American history. National Hispanic Heritage Week was officially proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson September 17, 1968.
Many years later, it became clear that one week was not enough to recognize and celebrate Hispanic heritage and cultures and the undeniable imprint and impact their contributions have left on America. This is why in 1987, the Representative Esteban E. Torres of California proposed expanding National Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long celebration which was signed into law by President Reagan on August 17, 1988. And on September 14, 1989, President George H. W. Bush officially declared the current 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
So why “Latinx”?
Although National Hispanic Heritage Month is widely recognized, we choose to use the more inclusive term “Latinx” because it “represents the identities of nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and gender expansive people.” “Latinx” also centers the lives of indigenous people, Brazilians, and other non-Spanish speaking people in this celebration. (CRH)
Interesting facts about LHHM:
- According to the United States Census Bureau, the Hispanic population in the United States now exceeds 63 millionmaking them the largest racial or ethnic minority in the country: 19.1% of the total population.
- 13 states had 1 mmillion or more Hispanic residents in 2022—Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.
- The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 is Latinos: Fostering Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.
- One in four children in the United States States are Hispanicand most (94%) were born in the United States.
Memorable Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month Quotes:
- “We cannot uneducate someone who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress people who are no longer afraid. —Cesar Chavez, American labor leader and civil rights activist
- “There is so much fear and hatred. We must deny it with active and courageous love. —U.S. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)
- “We must use our lives to make the world a better place, not just to acquire things. This is why we are put on earth. —Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and civil rights activist
- “The most valuable possession you can possess is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace. —Carlos Santana, American guitarist
- “You’re unlucky to be here.” The world needs your perspective. They’re lucky to have you. —Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation
This month and beyond, remember that Latinx history is American history.