Hispanic Heritage Month
¡Feliz mes de la Hispanidad!
September 15th through October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month, coinciding with several Latin American countries celebrating their days of independence. This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”
September 15th through October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month, coinciding with several Latin American countries celebrating their days of independence. This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th through October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month, coinciding with several Latin American countries celebrating their days of independence. This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” What started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Johnson was extended by President Reagan in 1988 to a month-long celebration and enacted into law on August 17 of that same year. During this time, we celebrate the rich history, heritage, culture, diversity, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans and Latinos whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, recognizing who we, as Hispanic/Latinos are today – a growing, diverse, multiracial group that is integral to the building of this nation.
Did you know that 20% of the U.S. population is Hispanic? Did you also know that Hispanic Americans have been fundamental in shaping this nation? Emily Key, Director of Education at the Smithsonian Latino Center points out that the first known colony in present day United States was not Jamestown, but the Spanish colony of St. Augustine in Florida. “Hispanics or Latinos…have fought in every war since the American Revolution. Hispanics are American and form part of this American fabric.”
According to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino, “it’s crucial to make sure that the contributions of the Latino community are showcased, and that Latinas and Latinos have a voice. According to 2020 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 that are used across the United States, despite the increasing percentage of Latina and Latino students. This also comes at a time when the economic output of American Latinos would rank fifth in the world if the community were an independent country. As the country continues to increase in diversity, it’s necessary for all citizens to learn more about American Latino experiences to recognize and value the many contributions Latinas and Latinos have made.”
The Hispanic/Latino community fundamentally shapes the culture, economy, and society of the U.S. with limitless accomplishments and contributions to law, science, medicine, politics, engineering, academia, business, the military, technology, diplomacy, literature, and the arts (to name just a few). Among notable and influential Hispanics/Latinos who have or continue to shape the United States are: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor; Roberto Clemente, baseball player, civil rights activist who worked closely with Martin Luther King, Jr.; composer, writer, activist, musician Lin Manuel Miranda (writer of Hamilton the musical); Dr. Ellen Ochoa the first Hispanic woman in space; physicist Dr. Alberto Baez (father of singer Joan Baez) co-inventor of the x-ray microscope; civil rights activist Cesar Chavez; Rubén Blades, Harvard trained lawyer & musician; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen the first Hispanic woman to serve in Congress; author, journalist, & newscaster Jorge Ramos; designer Carolina Herrera; and Jaime Escalante, educator at the center of the movie “Stand and Deliver” (asteroid 5095 Escalante was named after him.)
“One of the greatest things you have in life is that no one has the authority to tell you what you want to be. You’re the one who’ll decide what you want to be. Respect yourself and respect the integrity of others as well. The greatest thing you have is your self-image, a positive opinion of yourself. You must never let anyone take it from you.”
– Jaime Escalante
Activities
Museum of Latin American Art Online visit to the MOLAA.
Bring Hispanic Heritage Month to Life: A Collection of Resources
Interactive timelines, scavenger hunts, and other learning fun all about Hispanic Americans. Grades K-8
Interactive timelines, scavenger hunts, and other learning fun all about Hispanic Americans. Grades K-8
Colorín Colorado - Hispanic Heritage Month
Information, puzzles, biographies for English language learners. In English and Spanish. Grades K-12
Information, puzzles, biographies for English language learners. In English and Spanish. Grades K-12
Learn about and make your own lotería cards Grades 4-10
Printables
Famous Hispanic Americans (K-5)
Coloring pages and hero cards for sports, science, politics, and the arts.
Coloring pages and hero cards for sports, science, politics, and the arts.
Background Resources
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino: Molina Family Latino Gallery
Includes exhibitions, virtual museum, Bilingual Teacher Training Took Kit, and more.
Includes exhibitions, virtual museum, Bilingual Teacher Training Took Kit, and more.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Selected resources for teachers.
Pew Research Center: Who is Hispanic?
Analysis on statistics and identity.
Analysis on statistics and identity.
Audio & Video
Hispanic History - Timeline, Resources, Stories, Videos
Spanish Movies for Kids: G- and PG-rated Titles
This is a list of family-friendly Spanish movies for kids.
This is a list of family-friendly Spanish movies for kids.
¡Feliz mes de la Hispanidad!
Contact
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