BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

Every year, from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month encourages people around the United States to honor the Hispanic and Latino populations’ rich history, culture, and contributions. President Ronald Reagan extended the week-long commemoration that began in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson to a full month in 1988. Today, it is a time to recognize the amazing contribution that Hispanic Americans have made in shaping the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to commemorate the enormous achievements that Latinas and Latinos have made in business, science, public service, the arts, and more. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics are the country’s largest ethnic or racial minority group, with a population of more than 60 million—in other words, 18.9 percent of the total population.  Their influence has been integral to U.S. history since the colonial era, and their continued contributions in modern times help fuel the economy and shape the cultural landscape.

Hispanic or Latino? Understanding the terminology

While “Hispanic” and “Latino” are frequently used interchangeably, the terms have distinct meanings. “Hispanic” traditionally refers to those having ancestors in Spanish-speaking countries, but “Latino” is a broader term that embraces people from Latin America, including non-Spanish-speaking countries such as Brazil. According to the National Museum of the American Latino, the term “Latino” encompasses a wide range of racial heritages, including Black, Indigenous, Asian, and European ancestry, allowing for a more inclusive view of Latin American identity. Understanding these distinctions is critical for honoring the community’s diversity this month.

Why the mid-September start date?

Hispanic Heritage Month is unique in that it begins in mid-September rather than at the beginning of the month. This is no coincidence; September 15 is the independence day of five Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico’s Independence Day falls on September 16, while Chile’s is on September 18. These dates, rooted in the spirit of independence and strength, nicely complement the month’s themes of pride and resilience.

The importance of Hispanic Heritage Month

Latinos and Latinas have made huge contributions to the United States, taking key roles in everything from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Movement. Hispanic Heritage Month is important not only because it honors the past but also because it gives voice to the Hispanic community in the present. Representation is critical, especially because one in every four children in the United States is of Hispanic or Latino origin. 

Latino history is often missing from high school texts and curricula despite their expanding numbers. This omission underscores the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month as more than just a celebration—it is an opportunity for education, representation, and recognition of the community’s tremendous effect on American history and culture. Latinos’ economic production ranks fifth in the world when considered an autonomous economy, and their impact is growing, making their history and stories more significant than ever.

Contributions to sports: Latino athletes’ legacies

Sports provide a unique perspective through which we may examine the influence of the Latino community. For example, Latinos have had a revolutionary impact on Major League Baseball (MLB), with roughly 30 percent of the league’s players identifying as Hispanic or Latino as of 2023. Legends such as Roberto Clemente, a trailblazer on and off the field, and current players such as Francisco Lindor and Javier Báez have built a name for themselves not only through athletics but also through advocacy and philanthropic work.

Latinas have also torn down barriers in the field of sports. Linda Alvarado bought the Colorado Rockies in the 1990s, making her the first Hispanic woman to own a Major League Baseball team. Players like Margaret “Marge” Villa and sportscasters like Jessica Mendoza have helped pave the way for future generations of Latina athletes and professionals, altering the game as we know it.

A celebration of legacy and impact

Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the immeasurable contributions that Latinas and Latinos have made to the fabric of the United States. From shaping our nation’s history to transforming industries like sports, business, and the arts, their influence has been and continues to be, undeniable. Through education, celebration, and reflection, Hispanic Heritage Month encourages all of us to appreciate the diverse voices and cultures that make up the vibrant tapestry of our nation. In part II of our Hispanic Heritage Month series, we will bring even more key figures of Hispanic history and heritage to the fore.