Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Observed from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes Hispanic and Latino cultures, histories, and contributions. The observance began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and became a month-long celebration in 1988.

September 15 coincides with the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile mark their independence days shortly afterward.

According to U.S. Census Bureau figures cited in the program, the Hispanic population reached about 63.6 million in 2022—roughly one in five U.S. residents—making it the country’s largest racial or ethnic minority. The community’s growth brings opportunities as well as challenges.

Communities Celebrating and Preserving Heritage

• Buffalo, New York: Organizers are planning a Hispanic cultural institute with a museum, art gallery, and learning spaces. They hope it will share culture with the broader community and help younger generations learn about their family histories.
• Stockton, California: An exhibit documents Barrio del Chivo, or “Goat Valley,” a Mexican and Black neighborhood demolished during urban renewal in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Drawing on archival letters and records, it preserves residents’ accounts of displacement.
• Waco, Texas: The South Waco Library is displaying portraits and stories of prominent Hispanic community members, recognizing their role in the city’s history.
• Knoxville, Tennessee: A bilingual preschool teaches children in English and Spanish through immersive lessons. Educators and business leaders say interest in bilingual education is growing and that speaking multiple languages can benefit people in the workplace.
• Memphis, Tennessee: Advocates describe a shortage of court interpreters for Spanish-speaking residents. Although the state funds interpreter services, only a small number of interpreters are listed for Memphis, leaving some people waiting for help. Prospective interpreters also cite certification barriers.
• Austin, Texas: Judge Denise Hernandez says her parents’ difficult experiences with the legal system influenced her decision to become a lawyer. She is the first openly gay Latina to serve on a Travis County court bench and leads a youth diversion program aimed at helping young people change the course of their lives.
• Georgia: The Gwinnett Stripers adopt the Xolos identity for selected games as part of Minor League Baseball’s efforts to celebrate Hispanic heritage and connect with Latino fans.
• Arizona: The Latino Pride Festival provides a supportive space for Latino LGBTQ+ people and connects attendees with community resources.
• Idaho: A concert combines songs, poetry, and dance to share 150 years of Latino history in the state and celebrate Mexican and local heritage.

The program closes by encouraging people to take part in celebrations and learn more about Hispanic and Latino cultures.

Presenters and Contributors

Ivan (also captioned as Ivon) Nava; Tim Pham; Alexandro Rios Malavia; Ayana Williams; Meredith Hoss; Maria Guzman; Britney Monreal; Joe Ripley; Jade Cunningham; Jude Binkley.