Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration from September 15 to October 15, to honor people of Hispanic and Latino heritage. During this period of time we give recognition to the Hispanic and Latino communities around the world. Today the population of Latinos in our country is over 60 million. This makes up 18.9% of the total population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in every 4 children is Hispanic/Latino.
Furthermore, some of the things that you can do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month are reading books written by Latino/Hispanic authors like Tumble by Celia C. Perez and The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes and visiting a museum. You can also commemorate these amazing cultures by learning more about Hispanic Heritage Month or taking a virtual tour like The Smithsonian Latino Center and the Museum of Latin American Art. Another activity is exploring Latino or Hispanic food and drink including Argentinian Milanesa Breaded Steak and non-alcoholic Pina Coladas. There are many other activities that you can do to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in a fun way.
Many important people in our communities are Hispanic/Latino. Some of these people are Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Each of these individuals have been in popular movies and they have each won a Grammy award. Shakira has written popular songs including “Try Everything” and “Waka Waka”. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s most popular movies are “In the Heights” and “Hamilton”, both of which he played the lead role. Another influential Hispanic leader is Cesar Chavez, who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which fought for wages, medical protection, and adequate living conditions for farm laborers. Hispanic/Latino people inspire us and constantly benefit our country.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to celebrate our Hispanic/Latino population. These wonderful people shape our nation every day, and they deserve to be recognized for all that they do.