Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated from September 15th to October 15th in 2021. According to hispanicheritagemonth.gov, “We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.” It also honors Hispanic culture and struggles, and the independence days of many Latin American countries. It was originally established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. President Ronald Reagan expanded the holiday into a 30-day celebration in 1988, and this change was made legal on August 17, 1988.

On September 14th, 2021, the Biden administration released a statement on Hispanic Heritage month that can be found at whitehouse.gov, saying “During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize that Hispanic heritage is American heritage.  We see it in every aspect of our national life:  on our television and movie screens, in the music that moves our feet, and in the foods we enjoy.  We benefit from the many contributions of Hispanic scientists working in labs across the country to help us fight COVID-19 and the doctors and the nurses on the front lines caring for people’s health.  Our Nation is represented by Hispanic diplomats who share our values in countries all over the world and strengthened by military members and their families who serve and sacrifice for the United States.  Our communities are represented by Hispanic elected officials, and our children are taught by Hispanic teachers.  Our future will be shaped by Hispanic engineers who are working to develop new technology that will help us grasp our clean energy future and by the skilled union workers who are going to build it.” The White House also hosted a roundtable with 4 Hispanic cabinet members on the importance of Latin leadership in areas of government. Other government departments have published resources and information on Hispanic Heritage Month, Including NASA, the CDC, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, the Census Bureau, the Department of Labor, and the Navy.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, allies to the Hispanic community can educate themselves on Hispanic history, struggles, and culture, support Hispanic businesses and amplify the voices of Hispanic people.