Hispanic Heritage Month – Let’s Celebrate!
By Latrice Lewis
September 15 - October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Are you celebrating your colleagues, neighbors, community?
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
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.
Why is it Important to Celebrate?
Latino, Hispanic and Latinx Americans have wonderful traditions to honor during this month and year-round.
They’re also a vital part of the American population. One in five Americans is Hispanic or Latino, according to the 2020 Census.
Did You Know
Many people assume that all Latinos are Mexican, but the reality is much more diverse. Here is a look at the data:
Today, the Latino population in the United States is more varied than ever.
Mexicans (59%)
Puerto Ricans (9%)
Salvadorans (4%)
Cubans (4%)
Dominicans (4%)
Also, due to economic and political changes in their countries, the presence of citizens from Venezuela, Paraguay, Honduras, and Guatemala has quadrupled in the last two decades (Zong, 2024). This signifies that there is now an abundance of diverse cultures that can be authentically engaged with, more than ever before.
Frederick County has a growing and diverse population of Hispanic and Latino culture. Let’s recognize a couple of local heroes serving our Hispanic/Latino community:
Maria Herrera, Executive Director, Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland/Frederick
Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland, Inc., is driven by a single goal; to do their part in making the world a better place for all! They do this by empowering low-income families & immigrants from diverse backgrounds by promoting self-sufficiency, greater social change, education and legal rights. Learn More About Spanish Community of Maryland, Inc.
Dr. Suzanne Salichs, “NEW” Executive Director of Centro Hispano de Frederick.
Dr. Salichs joined Centro Hispano in June of 2024, as Executive Director. She has many years of experience in nonprofit administration, public service, grant acquisition and management, and organizational development, including establishing a community center to serve rural populations in Oklahoma. She has a Ph.D. in leadership and higher education as well as a master´s degree in public administration. Learn More About Centro Hispano de Frederick
Take a look at a few ideas for celebrating this rich culture in our workplaces.
Learn more: