History of Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
While it's important to uplift the voices, culture, history and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities year-round, the U.S. government formally designated the month to spotlight the contributions made by "American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America,” according to the official government website.
Before it was a month-long celebration it was just one week. Rep. Edward R. Roybal and Rep. Henry B. Gonzales championed a bill for a week-long observance, Hispanic Heritage Week.
“The bill was introduced at a moment of political radicalization by young Mexican-Americans demanding fair access to resources, including government services and education,” Frances Negron-Muntaner, an English and Comparative Literature professor at Columbia University, said.
“Although Hispanic Heritage Month officially began as a state project, it was also a response to decades of Latino activists, particularly during the 1960s, whose demands included recognition of their culture, history and rights.”
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the proposed legislation into law in 1968. It wasn't until two decades later, on Aug. 17, 1988, Hispanic Heritage Week became legally expanded to a 30-day observance from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 under President Ronald Reagan. Hispanic Heritage Month was first proclaimed or publicly announced to the American people by President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
People may be wondering why the heritage month is celebrated in the middle of two months. Continue reading at NBC News.
