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Hispanic Heritage Month 2022

¡Juntos Podermos!

Hispanic HeritageMonth 2022¡Juntos Podermos!

About National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month has been observed in the United States for over 35 years now. This period of time is intended to celebrate and recognize the contributions, history, culture, and influences of people who are here or have arrived from Spain, Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It started in 1986 as Hispanic Heritage Week, then expanded to 30-days from September 15 to October 15.



Why does it start on September 15? The date represents the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries - El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. In addition, the independence day of Mexico and Chile are on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Belize's Independence Day is on September 21.

The Meanings Behind The Terms

A Hispanic person refers to someone who is from or has ancestors from a Spanish speaking country. An alternative definition is a Spanish speaking person living in the U.S., especially one of Latin American descent. This term excludes Brazil because it is not a Spanish speaking country. "Hispanic" was first used in the U.S. Census in the 1960s and 1970s. The term has been associated with Spain's colonization of Latin America, so Latino/a became the alternative term.


A Latino/a person refers to someones who is from Latin America which includes Brazil but not Spain. Latinx is a gender neutral term for a Latino/a. Latin America encompasses North America (Mexico), Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.


A Chicano/a person refers to a self-identified Mexican or Mexican American living in the United States. Prior to the 1960s Civil Rights Chicano Movement, Chicano was used as a derogatory name. Afterwards, parts of the population have reclaimed the name to identify themselves as part of the Latinx Mexican U.S. community. Chicanx is a gender neutral term for Chicano/a.


Self-identify. Some Spanish speakers may not identify with any of the terms above because they might self-identify (e.g. Mexican American, Ecuadorian). The best practice is to ask the person what his/her/their ethnicity (cultural heritage) is. Be open to being corrected and informed.

ISD 196: 2022 Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity
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Minnesota Council of Latino Affairs
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United States Census Bureau
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Booklists & Awards
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Literature

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to bring Hispanic and Latinx literature into the classroom, providing a setting to teach students about this diverse and rich culture. Books by Hispanic/Latinx authors help young people explore matters of identity, immigration, historical events, arts, cultural uniqueness, pre-Colombian civilizations, biodiversity, etc. They empower students and reinforce their identity.

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Elementary School

In this bilingual graphic novel, Gutiérrez writes how famous Brazilian soccer player, Pelé, came from humble beginnings.
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Middle School

In this Newbery Medal Award book, Medina writes about a sixth grader's coming-of-age story.

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High School

In this young adult novel, Soto writes about a 17-year-old Mexican boy who goes to live with his older brother to run away from his "heritage of tedious physical labor."

A Whole New World

How many Hispanic or Latin American authors do you know? Whatever your favorite genre, there is an author who will surprise you with a masterful way of writing. This, of course, includes women with all kinds of awards and best sellers. Just as we ask our students to pick a book to read, challenge yourself to choose a Hispanic/Latinx author that is new to you or perhaps revisit a favorite. Give Hispanic/Latinx literature a chance and open your mind to a whole new world.

Isabel Allende

  • Allende was the world’s first widely read Latina author.

  • She was the first woman to be awarded the Gabriela Mistral Order of Merit, a Chilean distinction given to national and foreign personalities who provide outstanding contribution for the benefit of education, culture, and advancement of teaching.

  • She was honored by President Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

  • This Chilean woman, born in Peru, was a feminist before she knew what the word meant.

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Sylvia Acevedo

Technology Executive and former CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. View her interview where she talks about growing up bilingual, bicultural in Las Cruces, New Mexico and her work as a rocket scientist.

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José-Luis Orozco

Bilingual author, educator, and recording artist. View his interview about the connection between music and reading and how families can preserve their cultures.
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Sonia Nazario

Award-winning journalist known for Enrique's Journey, a story about a Honduran boy's dangerous struggle to find his mother in the U.S. View her interview about how she met Enrique and how to help other children like him.

Gabriel García Márquez (1927-2014)

  • Márquez was a Colombian journalist turned author.
  • He created the genre, magical realism or storytelling with layered fantasy, in his book, "Cien año de soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude)."
  • "Cien año de soledad" brought him international fame. It also earned him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. He became the first Colombian and fourth Latin American to win the Nobel.
  • His magical realism influences can be viewed in Disney's movie, "Encanto."
  • Click here for a short biographical video.

Resources for Educators

Education


Hub of Resources


Music


Video/Virtual Experience

Resources for Latino Organizations and Institutions

Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA) - Originally established in 1978 as the Spanish Speaking Affairs Council and later renamed the Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC), on July 1, 2015 the council was restructured under Chapter 77, Article 2, Section 2, as the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA). The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs is a state agency in the Executive Branch entrusted to advise, inform, influence and connect in a nonpartisan way to improve the lives of Latinx/e* Minnesotans.


Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) - An association of Latino entrepreneurs and leaders in the state of Minnesota. Their members’ drive, passion, and know-how have helped create a burgeoning Latino business community that serves as the foundation for good quality of life.


LatinoLEAD - LatinoLEAD is a network of leaders working together to empower the Latinx community in Minnesota. We invest in individual development to strengthen our collective power — advancing our influence, growing our impact, and building coalitions for positive change.


UnidosUS - UnidosUS is the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization. Since their founding in 1968, they have contributed to a stronger America by elevating the voice of Latinos, and defending and advancing the community’s concerns.

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