Honor Latinx Culture During Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15, 2024
For over 50 years, September 15 through October 15 has been designated as Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Statistics show that roughly 65 million people or about 20% of the population of our nation identify as Hispanic or Latinx. These individuals make up one of the largest growing demographics of Americans, and their rich culture adds a tremendous amount of diversity and vibrancy to the United States.
Because the Hispanic population contains so many different backgrounds and experiences, it is difficult to capture the spirit of this observation in just a few words. Whether these individuals have roots in Central America, South America, or the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, we honor their impressive and important contributions. Latinos like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta famously fought for civil rights and helped establish the United Farm Workers union in 1962. The Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno broke ground in the entertainment industry when she became the first Latina to win an Academy Award for the 1961 film West Side Story. In 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina and third woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Regardless of heritage or origin, the influence Hispanic Americans have have had on the culture and progress of our country is profound.
At the Library, we encourage you to explore the varied, vibrant experiences of the Latinx community this month. Check out some of these titles from our catalog that help communicate these voices and stories.
¡Libros en español ya están disponibles!
