September 15th marks the 35th year of Hispanic Heritage Month’s observation in the United States. We hear a lot about the significance of this celebration at NDP, but it’s important for us to understand the great tradition and its origins.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the official recognition of Hispanics in the U.S, as “Hispanic History Week” however in 1988, President Ronald Reagan decided to lengthen the celebration, instating “Hispanic Heritage Month”. Today, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. You might be wondering why the month is observed during this time of year, or if there is any reason at all. September 15th is the anniversary of independence for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, while Mexico and Chile celebrate independence days later in the month. During this 30-day period, we may learn more about the rich and individual cultures of Hispanic countries, in hopes of forever carrying this appreciation with us. 

 Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in many different ways across the country. Throughout the month, festivals, art shows, and nationwide gatherings such as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus  HHM Leadership Conference, Department of Education HHM Gala, and the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society HHM Nationwide Zoom take place. Though some take part in the previously stated events, others celebrate residentially with friends and family, enjoying traditional dance, music, and food together.

Within the month, it is crucial that we also recognize the many Hispanic and Hispanic American individuals who have positively influenced our country. Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor has served since elected by Obama in 2009 and was the very first Latina SC judge. Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, 2 Mexican American activists, worked together to unionize migrant labor. Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter who experienced a great deal of racism, being born into a time where Latina women weren’t valued in society. Despite this, her art continues to empower people all over the world, and she is recognized as one of the great artists of the 20th century. These are only 4 examples of powerful Hispanic people and the list will continue to grow each day.  

Hopefully from reading this article, you have gained a new respect for not only Hispanic Heritage Month, but heritage months as a whole.  It is important to not only show reverence, but to celebrate culture, as we may become more educated and empathetic people by doing so.