The Roots of Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15th to October 15th of every year, Hispanic Heritage Month is in celebration. Its theme this year is "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," but what is it that this represents? Why is Hispanic Heritage Month so important to acknowledge and celebrate?

Collective Heritage brings together generations so that we can remain together and honor our shared past and history. It immortalizes the history that countries in LATAM (Latin America) can sit down and discuss. Guarding our origins ensures that we can be able to motivate a future of innovation and a tomorrow that will be progressive. Open the door for generations to come so that they can walk the line written and drawn. Hispanic Heritage Month was originally only one week and was founded in 1968 under the Johnson administration. However in 1987, Representative Esteban E. Torres of California proposed the expansion from one week to 31 days, stating the importance to "properly observe and coordinate events and activities to celebrate Hispanic culture and achievement". Later in 1988, President Reagan turned it into a month. HHM was developed as a way to recognize the achievements and contributions that Latin-American immigrants had in the US. It was chosen as many Latin American countries celebrate their independence around a similar time. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate their independences from Spain on September 15, while Chile and Mexico celebrate theirs on September 18 and 16 espectively. Belize also celebrates its independence day on September 21 from Britain. 

As of 2023, there are currently 66.35 million Hispanics living in the US and more than 32 million are living outside of their country of origin. In the US alone, Hispanic/Latin Americans make up roughly 20% of the population. From cuisine to music and language, we have made a change in the culture throughout time. These youth aspire to these icons they see on the TV and in the mainstream culture such as Shakira, Ricky Martin, America Ferrera, J. Balvin and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is perhaps more than ever now that Hispanic Heritage Month should be commemorated and celebrated. It is time to mark and celebrate the unique and untold voice of Latin-America. We can market their accomplishment and heritage, create pride and identity and increase awareness about the experience and influence of our community. Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to fight stereotypes and encourage inclusion.

This year, the theme captures the essence of why we must celebrate and accept with pride the contributions both directly and indirectly that the Latine community creates. Hispanic Heritage month is trying to celebrate history and help younger generations to be inspired by the achievements and contributions the Hispanic community has in the US and all over the world. So that we may discuss the strength, resiliency and achievements of the Hispanic diaspora. Hispanic Heritage Month is being observed by numerous communities through school/community events, narrative and cultural festivals. Here at Voices De Nuestra Historia, we would like to invite you to join us this month by commemorating how our community makes an impact on history.

If we honor the past, we can go forward with pride, togetherness and a collective heritage.

Reference list

Cardona, M. (2020). The History of Hispanic Heritage Month | Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute | Columbian College of Arts & Sciences | the George Washington University. [online] Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute | Columbian College of Arts & Sciences. Available at: https://cisneros.columbian.gwu.edu/history-hispanic-heritage-month [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].

Congress, T.L. of, Administration, N.A. and R., Humanities, N.E. for the, Art, N.G. of, Service, N.P., Institution, U.S. and Museum, U.H.M. (n.d.). National Hispanic American Heritage Month 2019. [online] hispanicheritagemonth.gov. Available at: https://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/ [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].

National Museum Of The American Latino (n.d.). Hispanic Heritage Month. [online] National Museum of the American Latino. Available at: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].

National Museum of the American Latino (2020). Latino History. [online] National Museum of the American Latino. Available at: https://latino.si.edu/learn/latino-history-and-culture/latino-history. [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].