HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions and the important presence of the Hispanic and Latinx community to the United States, as well as celebrating their heritage and culture. The Hispanic and Latinx community has had a profound and positive influence on the US through their strong commitment to family, resilience, hard work, and service.
Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 to October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin."
A more modern term, "Latinx", has been widely used as an alternative to Latino/a. Latinx is a gender neutral term that is inclusive of Hispanic and Latinx people of all identities.
Today, 55 million people or 17% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population. Share in this special annual tribute by learning and celebrating the generations of Hispanic and Latinx people who have positively influenced and enriched the US nation and society.
Outstanding Latinx People
Famous Latina/o American Politicians, Activist, Reports, Educators, and Actors.
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Yalitza Aparicio Yaltiza Aparicio is the first Indigenous woman and second Mexican woman to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
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Sonia Sotomayor Sonia Maria Sotomayor is the first Latina woman of Puerto-Rican descent appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
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Antonio Villaraigosa Antonio Villaraigosa is a Mexican-American politician and the 41st Mayor of Los Angeles, Ca.
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Mel Martinez Mel Martinez is a Cuban American U.S. Senator.
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Rosa Gumataotao Rios Rosa Gumataotao Rios is of Mexican-American descent and was the 43rd Treasurer of the United States.
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Zoe Saldana Zoe Saldana is a Puerto-Rican and Dominican-American actress and dancer.
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Cesar Chavez Cesar E. Chavez was a Mexican-American labor leader and civil rights activist.
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Dolores Huerta Dolores Huerta is a Mexican-American labor leader and civil rights activist.
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La La Anthony La La Anthony is a Puerto-Rican American radio and television personality.
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Cristina Saralegui Cristina Saralegui is a Cuban-born American journalist and talk show host.
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Gina Torres Gina Torres is a Cuban-American actress.
