Hispanic Heritage Month
WHEN IS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH?
September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.
Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.
Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Throughout this month-long celebration of culture, organizations and museums along with numerous schools, churches, and other venues will honor the importance and vibrancy of Latin American and Hispanic culture and people as they have deeply and beneficially influenced the United States.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: HOW DID IT START?
The proclamation of the National Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” back in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988.
FACTS ABOUT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
- There are 1.2 million Hispanic veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
- 58.9 million is the Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2017.
- Oscar Hijuelos: The first Hispanic writer to win a Pulitzer Prize.
- Ellen Ochoa is the first Hispanic woman astronaut to go into space.
- States with a population of 1 million or more Hispanic residents in 2017 are Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Texas.
- The largest Hispanic population lives in California.
- Spanish is the second most-spoken language after English in the U.S
LEARN SPANISH
Your ability to understand Spanish will enable you to get to know the culture and gain essential insights. Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy has Spanish Classes. Learn more about our Foreign Language Club by clicking here.
Celebrate and honor Hispanic and Latin heritage!
WATCH MOVIES AND SERIES IN SPANISH!
Watch Spanish-speaking videos for educational or entertaining purposes. Visual immersion is a great way to evoke interest in Hispanic heritage, culture, and traditions.
Learn more about this special celebration at educareinfo.org