Latinx Heritage Month or Hispanic Heritage Month, as it is official designated in federal legislation, is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15 to commemorate the achievements, histories, traditions and cultural diversity of Americans whose heritage is rooted in 20 Latin American countries and territories: Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
The origins of this month go back to 1968 when Lynden Johnson signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles to establish Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988 new legislation expanded the week into a month. September 15 is the starting point because of its proximity to the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, September 16, 1810, the event which traditionally has marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. This eventually resulted in independence for Mexico as well as the Central American nations that are now Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Each year The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) supports the Federal government’s observance of the month by selecting an annual theme. The theme for 2022, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” was submitted by Ily Soares, Supervisory Accountant at Farm Credit Administration. Writing about this theme she stated, “As has been proven, when different voices are sitting at the metaphorical table and included in key decisions, the entire community benefits from greater solutions that address concerns from all people. Whether it be education, government, business, or the environment, ensuring that all voices are represented provides results in better and more thoughtful decisions. These improved decisions support the greater good and minimize any negative impacts to marginalized communities and people of color. We call on citizens of this nation from all walks of life to look around and welcome new voices to the table. This will help us build stronger communities and in turn, a stronger nation.”
To learn more about Latinx heritage check out these ebooks from the Library’s collection. For a lighter approach, visit our Latinx Heritage Month display of children’s and juvenile books on the Library’s first floor.
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