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Hispanic Heritage Month is a yearly event to celebrate the history and culture of Hispanic communities. This event is a month-long period spanning from September 15th- October 15 to commemorate how Hispanic communities have impacted and contributed to the U.S society.
President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the First Hispanic Heritage Week to recognize the Hispanic Nation. On September 14th ,1989 President George W. Bush declared a 31-day heritage month so that the nation could have enough time to coordinate and celebrate the Hispanic Heritage.
Several Latin American nations declared their independence starting in the middle of September which coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month. Five nations including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras declared independence from Spain September 15th which became the kickoff date. Mexico declared independence on September 16th, 1810. Chile on September 18th,1810 and Belize declared independence from Great Britain on September 21,1981.
This month has allowed many individuals to value true representation and to remember that they are a community that deserves to be heard. “Hispanic heritage month means I get to see more people that look like me and have the same storyline as I portrayed on the media,” Cecilia Maldonado Arce, a sophomore at NHSN, explained as a Mexican citizen, “I feel like it’s finally time for this school to acknowledge our community…there is a great number of students that are Hispanic, and they aren’t as seen…”
Every year Americans observe a variety of different cultures. The more we can learn and bring to light the history the more individuals can honor and recognize our heritage.
“One thing I do think is that a lot of people here can judge you in a negative way if you speak in Spanish in public,” Carlota, a transfer student from Spain brought up: “I think it’s great that people have Hispanic heritage month (and Spain should have it too) cause maybe people can become less judgy and appreciate this culture.”
Angeolina Marte Marmol, a Dominican parent of one student at NSHN said, “I feel proud and amazing that the clubs in this school is showing how different cultures are…. It doesn't matter what kind of country we came from, we all have beautiful cultures.” She believes that Hispanic Heritage Month is important “To show everyone how beautiful our culture is …. the food, music, clothes, how important our history is.”
The history of Hispanic Heritage Month goes back hundreds of years. It is important that every nation be educated on the history of different cultures. And to acknowledge the importance of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the school. Every Hispanic person has a slightly different view on what this month means to them and every voice deserves to be heard.
