Public Hispanic Legacy Month, which happens in September, commends the set of experiences, culture, and commitments of Latinos to American culture. Congress made Hispanic Legacy Week in 1968, and in 1988 it was extended to an entire month to perceive the rising enthusiasm for the significance of the Hispanic people group in American culture. To coincide with national independence days in several Latin American nations, the celebration starts in the middle of September rather than at the beginning.
On September 15, countries like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, & Costa Rica celebrate their independence, showcasing their enduring spirit and political resilience. This collective observance commemorates their sovereignty and underscores the intricate interplay between history, culture, and politics in Dallas and beyond. The significance of September is further highlighted by Mexico’s independence on September 16, Chile’s on September 18, and Belize’s on September 21, making this a vibrant and diverse period of reflection and appreciation.
Here Are Some Key Facts On Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year, Hispanic Americans’ contributions to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States are honored during National Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 through October 15, this event is celebrated. Let’s examine some of the most important details about this yearly celebration.
1. It Was A Week-Long Celebration In The Beginning
President Lyndon B. Johnson inscribed Proclamation 3869, officially establishing Hispanic Heritage Week, on September 17, 1968. The intention was to recognize the significant and constructive contribution Americans of Hispanic heritage have made to society. Although the original intention to honor Hispanic ancestry was laudable, President Johnson’s explanation of the topic’s purpose may be viewed as racially insensitive by 2022 standards.
It is because it indicates that people only have value if they contribute to the U.S. President Johnson urged people, particularly teachers, to develop a commemorative curriculum to inform people about the accomplishments of Hispanics. Due to the Hispanic constituents in his area, California congressman George E. Brown had three months earlier filed legislation to recognize such a week.
2. One-Week Event Expanded To One Month In 1988
Under President Ronald Reagan, Hispanic Heritage Week was renamed Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988. Esteban Torres, a different California congressman, was the one who proposed this amendment. Ronald Regan drafted H.R. 3182, which called for the extension to last one month. A similar piece of legislation, S. 2200, was proposed to the Senate by Illinois Senator Paul Simon in response to this bill’s failure to pass the House of Representatives. It modified the legislation that was first passed and established Hispanic Heritage Week.
Fortunately, this bill arrived at President Reagan’s work area and was endorsed on August 17, 1988. President George H.W. Shrub officially reported the augmentation on September 14, 1989, when he gave Declaration 6021. The historical backdrop of the development is significant, but at the same time, recognizing the significance of Hispanic culture in American society is imperative. Despite the fact that an extended remembrance of the Hispanic legacy in the U.S. is brilliant, individuals and culture should be commended all year long.
3. It Is Celebrated With New Themes Every Year
Each year, a voting process is managed by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers to determine the topic. Voting participants include NCHEPM members, representatives from federal agencies, and the general public to ensure the inclusion of various viewpoints. Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One, submitted by Jennifer Lasko, a diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility advisor at the U.S. Treasury, was chosen as the winning theme for 2023. While encouraging communities to unite as “one community, one people, one vision despite the diversity in their cultures, skin colors, and points of view, she wished to appreciate each group’s unique contributions.
4. Why In September?
Starting in the middle of September and ceasing in the middle of October for National Hispanic Heritage Month may seem strange. However, there is a valid justification for the September 15 start date. On this day, sundry Latin American nations celebrate their independence. Mexico honors its Independence Day on September 16, and Chile honors its independence on September 18. Finally, on October 12, Mexico and Chile will celebrate Dia de la Raza, a decolonized version of Columbus Day.
5. The Event Represents The Hispanic And Latinx Culture
Hispanic Heritage Month not only celebrates the vibrant cultures and contributions of individuals from the nations mentioned above but also pays tribute to Americans who proudly identify with Hispanic heritage, acknowledging their roots and the rich tapestry of their ancestry. This recognition gained official traction with the establishment of the Census in the 1970s, marking the first instance of this descriptive term’s usage. The acknowledgment of Hispanic identity was further solidified as an official category in various documents after the U.S. government collected comprehensive statistics on people’s ethnicity in 1976, shedding light on American society’s diverse and intricate mosaic.
In parallel, discussions about identity within the Hispanic community led to the emergence of various terms, such as Latino/Latina, reflecting the complexity of heritage and history. Education in Dallas played a role in shaping these linguistic shifts, as the diverse and interconnected nature of the city’s educational institutions fostered these nuanced conversations. Additionally, the term “Latinx” emerged as a deliberate choice to challenge the traditional gendered associations tied to Latino and Latina labels, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable terminology.
6. 1 In Every 5 People Is Hispanic In The United States
Hispanics made up the biggest racial and ethnic minority in the latest U.S. Enumeration (2020), with 62.6 million individuals self-recognizing as having a place in this gathering. It is a huge increment from the 13% of the 2000 Statistics with 18.9% of the complete populace. Per projections, 27.5% of Hispanic Americans will be in the U.S. by 2060.
13 states are having a populace of more than 1 million Hispanics starting around 2021. These incorporate states that line the south, like Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as states further north, like North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
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