By Natalie Herr ’25
Hispanic Heritage Month is dedicated to honoring the culture, trials, tributes, and traditions of Hispanic people all over the world.. Throughout the month of September, you may have learned more about Hispanic Heritage.
The reason Hispanic Heritage Month differs from most cultural appreciation months is because it spans from September to October. Why? Because most of the Central American countries celebrate their Independence Days within that time frame. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvadoe, Honduras, and Guatemala all celebrate their Independence Day on September 15. Mexico celebrates theirs on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21.
In 1968, President Ronald Reagan started what was early known as “Hispanic Heritage Week.” It started on September 15 because that is the Independence day for a number of Latin American countries.. In 1988, President Lyndon Johnson expanded that week into a 30-day period, which we now know is Hispanic Heritage Month.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic and Latino culture is celebrated, including the contributions they’ve made to the U.S: the art, work ethos, traditional foods, and more. Latinos being in the U.S. has dated back before Spain’s colonization. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Latino population of the U.S. is currently over 60 million.
Fun Fact:
Each year there is a voting process led by NCIPM (National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers) to select the theme for the year. In 2023 the winning theme was “Todos Somos, Somos Uno”: We Are All, We Are All One, which was chosen from an advisor in the U.S. Treasury. She wanted to encourage communities to come together despite differences and see each other’s point of view.
Famous Hispanic Americans:
Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente was born on August 18, 1934 in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Clemente was very talented, and at the age of 17 he was already playing for Puerto Rico’s National Baseball League. Once he turned 18, the Dodgers signed him. In 1966, Clemente won 4 National League batting titles, MVP award, and a Gold Glove award. On December 31 of 1972, Clemente went on a small plane that went from Puerto Rico to Nicaragua to help with earthquake relief. The plane ended up crashing on the Puerto Rico coast, and his body was never found.
Ellen Ochoa
Ellen Ochoa was born on May 10, 1958 in Los Angeles, CA. She attended San Diego State University, with a bachelor’s degree of physics, and a doctorate and masters degree in electrical engineering, in which she received at Stanford University. Ochoa was the first Hispanic female astronaut. She also was the first Hispanic director, and second female director at NASA. She was a Director of Flight and Crew Operations, and a Deputy Center Director. Originally, she joined NASA in 1988 as a research engineer. She served a 9-day mission in 1933, which caused her to be the first Hispanic female to go to space.
Photo Credits:
California Federation of Educators & Classified Professionals
First latina astronaut wants children of color to embrace their inner scientist
Credits:
National Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2023
7 Hispanic Heritage Month Facts Students Should Learn About