We’re honoring #HispanicHeritageMonth Sept 15- Oct 15 by paying tribute to our Hispanic American staff, clients, and partners.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Between September 15 – October 15, Americans observe Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the culture, heritage, history and contributions of American citizens whose ancestry originated in Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Beginning in 1968, this time was observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” but in1988, President Ronald Regan, expanded the holiday to a full month to commemorate the anniversary of independence (September 15) for Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicargua. Associated Recognitions: Observed on March 31, Cesar Chavez Day honors Mexian American labor leader and activist, Cesar Chavez. He was a nationally respected voice for social justice who stressed nonviolent methods. He founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 and gave people a sense of their own power. He was known for his causes via boycotts, marches and hunger strikes and was able to secure increased wages and improve conditions for farm workers in California, Texas, Arizona and Florida. The below questions and social media posts can help signatory organizations and employees introduce or delve deeper into larger conversations about Hispanic Heritage month and its impact.

Reflection Questions:

• What comes to mind when you think of the culture, heritage, history, and contributions of Hispanic or Latinx Americans?
• Caesar Chavez played a very important and influential role in the fight for social justice, and now has a day dedicated to his legacy. Are there any Hispanic or Latinx Americans
  that you believe also deserve recognition? If so, who?
• Why is it important to dedicate time towards this type of recognition and celebration?

Resources:

National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Endowment for the Humanities, resources
History | Cesar Chaves, resources