National Hispanic Heritage Month
is observed from September 15th to October 15th. It is a month dedicated to
celebrating the diverse culture, the many contributions and accomplishments
from Americans whose ancestors are Hispanics/Latinos. From the vast history
of Spain to all the stories and histories from the Caribbean, Mexico,
Central and South America, it is a month to celebrate all the people who are
part of such diversified background and contribute to the ever
growing and changing story of America.
It first began as a week long observance in 1968 by
President Lyndon Johnson, it was eventually expanded by President Ronald
Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on
October 15.
"The day of September 15 is
significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American
countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In
addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16
and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is
October 12, falls within this 30 day period." (Library of Congress
2015 http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/)
We laughed as Desi Arnaz first graced
our televisions to laughing along with George Lopez and Gabriel Iglesias on the
big screen. Enjoyed the various styles of music of Carlos Santana, Celia Cruz,
Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony, and Jennifer Lopez on mainstream radio, as rich
as Latino America. To witness the courageous efforts of Cesar Chavez uniting
workers to form the National
Farm Workers Association for the betterment of all farm workers and witness Sonia
Sotomayor becoming the first Hispanic-American women elected as Supreme
Court Justice. This is just a glimpse of the larger story that is the American story.
Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month:
Also check out some of these books about Hispanics/Latinos in America we have here at
the library:
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