National Hispanic Heritage Month spans from September 15-October 15. Like many other heritage months, it started as a week in 1968 and was eventually expanded to a month in 1988. The 30-day period begins in mid-September to honor the independence celebrations in Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Representation in media has become a huge conversation regarding people of color both in front of and behind the camera. This has been an especially powerful conversation in the Hispanic community, as stars like Salma Hayek and Gina Rodriguez have called on Hollywood to do more.
However, achievements and recognition of the Latino community must span further than the entertainment industry.
Jorge Ramos, a world-renowned Univision reporter, made waves when he was removed from a Trump election rally in 2015. His account of the incident shed a national light on racism against Hispanic Americans and encouraged a deeper conversation.
Legendary designer Narciso Rodriguez made a name for himself after designing Carolyn Bessette’s dress for her wedding to John F. Kennedy, Jr. He went on to craft designs for some of the industry’s heavy hitters, and along the way, he incorporated bits and pieces of his Cuban heritage. He recently celebrated his 20th anniversary in the fashion industry.
And outside of the creative arts, this month celebrates leaders like Sara Martinez Tucker, a long-time, non-profit executive who worked as the president of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, which doled out millions to Latino students in need. She was recently appointed Chairwoman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, where she’ll have an impact on higher education.
Though there are plenty of accomplishments to celebrate year-round, National Hispanic Heritage Month is an especially great time to shine a light on those who are impacting the greater culture in meaningful ways.
