Aug 64 min read

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: History, Significance, and Ways to Engage

Hispanic Heritage Month is an important celebration of the rich cultures, contributions, and histories of Americans with Hispanic roots. From September 15th to October 15th each year, we honor the diverse experiences, stories, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans, recognizing their profound impact on our nation.

The History of Hispanic Heritage Month

The origins of the federal recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month date back to 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson first established Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded this celebration to cover a 30-day period, officially designating it as Hispanic Heritage Month.

The establishment of Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988 was the result of years of advocacy and growing recognition of Hispanic contributions to American society. Leading up to 1988, several Hispanic civil rights organizations were formed, advocating for Hispanic rights and recognition:

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), founded in 1929
American GI Forum, established in 1948
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), founded in 1968

The Chicano Movement also known as El Movimiento, contributed to the growing voice and power of Hispanic Americans. This civil rights movement emerged in the 1960s, focusing on empowering Mexican Americans and addressing issues like labor rights, education, and political representation.

The work of activists like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta in organizing farm workers brought national attention to Hispanic labor issues. In 1962, they founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW) union.

Adding to the growing awareness and recognition was the election of Hispanic politicians to national office who were determined to raise the profile of Hispanic issues. For example, Joseph Montoya of New Mexico became a U.S. Senator in 1964. In this position he advocated for improving the economic condition of Hispanics in his state and to protect the civil and voting rights of minorities within the U.S. Other Hispanic members of Congress, particularly Congressman Edward R. Roybal from California, pushed for greater recognition of Hispanic contributions to American society.

Why is September 15th Important for Hispanic Heritage Month?

The choice of September 15th as the starting date for Hispanic Heritage Month is not arbitrary. This date marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. By encompassing these significant dates, Hispanic Heritage Month pays tribute to the shared history and diverse cultural heritage of many Hispanic communities.

Spotlight on Hispanic Americans

Among the many Hispanic Americans who have left an indelible mark on our nation, two figures exemplify excellence in their chosen paths:

Sonia Sotomayor - Breaking Barriers in Law

Sonia Sotomayor, born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, became the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Appointed in 2009, Justice Sotomayor's journey from a Bronx housing project to the highest court in the land is a testament to her perseverance and legal brilliance.

Before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Sotomayor served as a U.S. District Court Judge and on the U.S. Court of Appeals. Her legal career has been marked by a commitment to fairness and equality, and she has become an inspiration for many, especially in the Hispanic community.

Sotomayor is also an accomplished author, having written several books including her memoir "My Beloved World," which provides insights into her childhood, career, and the experiences that shaped her worldview.

Roberto Clemente - A Baseball Legend and Humanitarian

Roberto Clemente, born in Puerto Rico, was not only one of the greatest baseball players of all time but also a dedicated humanitarian. During his 18-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clemente was a 15-time All-Star, won 12 Gold Glove Awards, and led the National League in batting average four times.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Clemente was known for his commitment to charity and social causes. He was actively involved in delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua when he tragically died in a plane crash on December 31, 1972, during a relief mission.

Clemente's legacy extends far beyond baseball. He was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming the first Latin American and Caribbean player to receive this honor. The Roberto Clemente Award, given annually by Major League Baseball, recognizes players who best exemplify the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and individual contribution to their teams.

Ways to Engage with Hispanic Heritage Month

Read books by Hispanic authors or about Hispanic history and culture.
Enjoy movies from Spanish-speaking countries or those featuring Hispanic themes and experiences.
Visit museums or online exhibitions showcasing Hispanic artists.
Cook traditional recipes or support local Hispanic-owned restaurants.
Look for Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in your community.
Learn some Spanish. Pick up basic phrases or challenge yourself to improve your language skills.
Visit the Smithsonian website with great online exhibits and resources: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources
Visit the National Archive website for valuable history and resources: https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/hispanic-heritage-month

Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in the Workplace

Celebrating diversity in the workplace fosters inclusivity and cultural understanding. Here are some ways to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month at work:

Host a lunch and learn: Invite Hispanic employees to share their cultural experiences or bring in external speakers to discuss Hispanic history and contributions.
Create a Hispanic heritage book club: Choose books by Hispanic authors for employees to read and discuss.
Showcase Hispanic Employee or Industry Member Achievements: Highlight the contributions of Hispanic employees or notable Hispanic figures in your industry through internal communications.
Organize a potluck: Encourage employees to bring in traditional Hispanic dishes to share.
Support Hispanic-owned businesses: Partner with local Hispanic-owned businesses for catering or other services.
Volunteer: Organize a company volunteer day with a local Hispanic community organization.
Provide educational resources: Share articles, videos, or podcasts about Hispanic history and culture with employees.

Hispanic Heritage Month offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. By engaging with this celebration, we not only honor Hispanic heritage but also deepen our understanding of the multicultural fabric that makes our society stronger and richer.