September 15th, 2023 to October 15th, 2023 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and this year’s theme is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress throughout America.” The Hispanic/Latinx community has become the largest ethnic minority group across the United States, composed of 63 million people, and here in Nevada, Hispanics account for 30% of the population (1,3). National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the Hispanic/Latinx community and commemorate achievements that will continue to inspire future Hispanic generations.
“Across Nevada and this country, Latinos are making a difference and building their American Dream as entrepreneurs, essential workers, and more…”
– (Senator Cortez Masto,2023) (3)
The first recognition of Hispanic culture began in 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson declared “Hispanic Heritage Week” from September 15- 22nd to celebrate Hispanic customs. Twenty years later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended it to a month. (4) Uniquely it is shared between two months because more than half a dozen Latin American countries celebrate their Independence Day between September 15th to October 15th, as listed below (5):
- September 15th – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
- September 16th – Mexico
- September 18th – Chile
- September 21st – Belize
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally with festivals, art shows, conferences, food, community gatherings, concerts, parades, documentaries, and books, (6). It is a month that allows the Hispanic/Latinx community to be recognized for the contributions they have made throughout the United States (7). There are ample opportunities to get involved and join in this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. You can check out your city website to find local events celebrating the month or you can:
- Learn about influential Hispanic/Latinx figures in your community
- Cook a traditional Hispanic recipe
- Volunteer for a community service project
- Attend Latinx art exhibits and workshops (8)
For more information on National Hispanic Heritage Month, you can visit https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
- Dunbar J. Hispanic Heritage month 2023: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America: Ebscopost. EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | www.ebsco.com. September 7, 2023. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://www.ebsco.com/blogs/ebscopost/2565550/hispanic-heritage-month-2023-driving-prosperity-power-and-progress-america
- U.S. Census Bureau quickfacts: Nevada. September 15, 2023. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/NV/POP060210
- In Las Vegas, Cortez Masto kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with Nevada families and local community leaders. U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. September 18, 2023. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-las-vegas-cortez-masto-kicks-off-hispanic-heritage-month-with-nevada-families-and-local-community-leaders
- Hispanic Heritage month. National Archives and Records Administration. September 15, 2023. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/hispanic-heritage-month
- National Hispanic Heritage Month. Library of Congress. 2023. Accessed October 3, 2023 https://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/index.html
- White House initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://sites.ed.gov/hispanic-initiative/national-hispanic-heritage-month/#:~:text=Beginning%20in%201968%2C%20Hispanic%20Heritage,community%20gatherings%2C%20and%20much%20more
- Hispanic Heritage month. National Museum of the American Latino. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://latino.si.edu/hispanic-heritage-month
- Hispanic Heritage month Las Vegas – henderson 2023. Vegas Family Guide. September 25, 2023. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://vegasfamilyevents.com/hispanic-heritage-month-las-vegas/
- Despres C. 23 surprising ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. Salud America. September 12, 2023. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://salud-america.org/23-ways-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=0233aa56-a9c4-4161-aded-40c8e5bf689d.
