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National Hispanic Heritage Month

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      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:

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

PBS Special - Hispanic Heritage Month


Also check out some of these books about Hispanics/Latinos in America we have here at the library:
Emilio Estefan
Luis Gutièrrez
Rita Moreno 
Carlos Santana
Sonia Sotomayor

American Chica
Cool Salsa
For All of Us, One Day
Once upon a Quinceañera
Our America
The Closer: My Story





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