The national celebration of Latin heritage

The Hispanic community makes up about 19.5 percent of the U.S. population. The Hispanic community has contributed many diverse values to American culture. They are present in the entertainment industry, scientific and medical professions, business, politics, etc. Between September 15 and October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize their contributions.

This week-long celebration began under U.S. President Lydon Johnson in 1968., and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. These dates match the celebration of independence in many Hispanic countries. For instance, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua celebrate Independence Day on September 15. Many more countries like Mexico and Chile celebrate independence in this time frame.

Icons like Puerto Rican baseball legend Roberto Clemente, a player who had a profound impact on American baseball both on and off the field. Popular for being the first player from a Latin country to be honored in the Hall of Fame. Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is credible for self-portraits and works of art that explored her identity in Mexican society. These are two significant figures who are part of the many Hispanics/Latinos that flavored American culture and opened portals for others.

Current Hispanic figures and leaders continue to impact American society through television, music, film, and social media platforms to share insight and experiences, that help amplify the stories of Latin culture.

One example is Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Puerto Rican actor, director, and composer widely known for his smash-hit Broadway musical Hamilton which reshaped theater in America. He also wrote another musical, before Hamilton, called “In the Heights”. The musical follows a young man from the Dominican Republic named Usnavi singing and dreaming about a better life in Washington Heights, N.Y.

Another example is Luis von Ahn, the Guatemalan entrepreneur, software designer, and visionary behind Duolingo, a popular language-learning app. Duolingo has over 70 million monthly active users worldwide and has achieved a remarkable $137.5 million in subscription bookings.

Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a celebration of culture; it is also a reminder of all the civil hardships and challenges the Hispanic community has faced and continues to face. For years, the struggle for civil rights and recently, for immigration and representation. This month encourages the ongoing journey toward equality and justice for Hispanic Americans.

Written by Sabrina Alves | Graphic Designed by Sabrina Alves 

Published September 30, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature