We’re in September, and with it begins Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year in the United States from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It’s a month dedicated to honoring the contributions, history, culture and influence of Hispanic and Latino communities in the country.
The start date, Sept. 15, is significant because it coincides with the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18.
This celebration lasts an entire month to honor how Hispanic populations have shaped the nation across its territory. It gives all Americans the opportunity to acknowledge how Latinos have been an integral part of this nation for centuries, serving as a way to thank and pay tribute to a community that today makes up more than 19% of the national population — totaling over 60 million people and representing the largest ethnic minority.
According to the National Museum of the American Latino and data from the U.S. Census Bureau: “One in every four children in the United States is Hispanic/Latino. A recent study found that Latino history is largely left out in high school textbooks used across the United States, despite the increasing percentage of Latina and Latino students.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is not just a time for celebration but also for reflection on the challenges and achievements of the Hispanic community throughout U.S. history. From the early Spanish settlers in the 1500s to the modern-day contributions of Latino leaders in politics, arts, science, and business, this month encourages everyone to explore the deep impact Hispanic culture has had in shaping the identity of the nation.
In addition to cultural festivities, the month-long observance also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the social and economic issues that disproportionately affect Latino communities, such as access to healthcare, education and fair wages. Many organizations use this month to promote initiatives aimed at addressing these inequalities, ensuring that the contributions of Hispanic Americans are not only celebrated but also supported through policy and community engagement. This advocacy is vital for building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
This year at Dallas College, Hispanic pride is being celebrated with the theme “Together We Can, Building Prosperous and Healthy Communities” and a series of events across the college’s various campuses. As part of this celebration, there will also be a trip to the 2024 Latinidades Festival outside the College on Sept. 27 , to learn about and observe the art performance of “Ghostly Labor,” which explores the history of labor in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands.
Likewise, during this month, there are many Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, such as the Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art, which runs until Nov. 17. Those interested can visit the Latino Cultural Center in downtown Dallas from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to learn more about Latin and Hispanic culture.
They can also attend traditional Latin dance performances at the Rogers-O’Brien Amphitheater or The Sound at Cypress Waters, both of which were scheduled at press time to take place on Sept. 21.
