Hispanic Heritage Month Information
Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions, culture and history of Americas with Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean and Central and South American ancestry. Hispanic Heritage Month is actually observed in two months: September and October. The 30-day celebration starts on September 15 and ends on October 15. Dates that fall in this period have historical significances to the history of Spanish- and English-speaking countries. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968. It was first observed as Hispanic Heritage Week and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, the holiday evolved when President Ronald Reagan expanded Hispanic Heritage Week to the 30-day period that's recognized today. It became law on August 17, 1988.
Significant Dates
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The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15, serves as the anniversary of Independence Day for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. September 16 is the anniversary of Mexico's independence. September 18 is the day that Chile celebrates Independence Day. Columbus Day is celebrated on October 12.
Hispanic Heritage Month is filled with special events throughout its 30-day period, such as awards ceremonies, festivals, dinners and other activities.
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Notable Hispanics
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Throughout the years, many Hispanics have been recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month, including singer Joan Baez, actor Desi Arnez, actress Rita Moreno, activist Cesar Chavez, Dr. Severo Ochoa and Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor. These Hispanics, who have roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South American, were recognized for breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment, political and education fields.
America's Hispanic Population
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According to the 2006 U.S. Census, America's Hispanic population was 44.3 million, which represents 14.8 percent of the total population. The Census figures show that Hispanics represented one half of the nation's population growth. The states that had large concentrations of Hispanics--at least 25 percent or more--were Florida, California, Texas, Washington, Nevada, New York, Colorado and New Mexico. America's Hispanic population is expected to reach more than 70 million by the year 2030.
Hispanic Organizations
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America is home to many Hispanic civil rights and advocacy groups, such as the League of Latin America Citizens and the National Council of La Raza.
The League of Latin America Citizens dates back to 1929 and has more than 100,000 members. The National Council of La Raza was founded in 1968 and is the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy group in the United States, with a network of almost 300 community-based organizations in 41 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. More than one million people belong to the organization.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit hispanic businessman image by Ryan Shapiro from Fotolia.com
