From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated to show the histories and cultures of Hispanic and Latino peoples in the United States.
This celebration, which began as a week-long event in 1968 under President Johnson, is now a month-long celebration because of President Reagan in 1988. The celebration starts in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October, because many Hispanic countries celebrate their independence days throughout the two months.
The Latino population in America today is over 60 million, which makes up 18.9% of the United States’ total population. This makes the Latino population the largest ethnic group in the U.S.
Hispanic and Latino people have contributed a lot to the history of the United States. Over the years they have been involved in many different aspects of our country’s past such as art and civil rights.
Spanish teacher and Spanish Club Director Señora Buehring states her opinions about why Hispanic Heritage Month is important.
“I think it is important because I think many people seem to forget that this country was built on many different cultures,” Buehring said.
The Spanish Club has big plans for helping HHS recognize Hispanic Heritage Month.
“We plan to have daily announcements over the month explaining fun facts or history about the month,” Buehring said.
Spanish Club president Aidan Vollmar gives his input about the importance of the holiday.
“I think it’s important because it celebrates a culture that doesn’t often get a lot of recognition, and I think having Spanish Club at HHS can provide that representation for our students on campus,” Vollmar said.
Hispanic Heritage month helps to remind people of the history of Hispanic and Latino people across the world. This celebration is a reminder of their contributions to United States history and the many histories of Central and South American countries.