About Hispanic Heritage Month
Observed annually, Hispanic Heritage Month is a nationwide celebration that recognizes the traditions, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that have helped form our society today. The observance also highlights the deep roots of a diverse group whose impact extends across art, science, politics, and daily life.
With this in mind, let’s explore the origins of Hispanic Heritage Month, its importance, and the role it plays in promoting cultural pride and understanding.
How Hispanic Heritage Month Began
The observance began in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week to recognize the influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month-long celebration, held annually from September 15 to October 15.
The start date is significant, as September 15 marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence during September, making this period a meaningful time to honor shared history and pride.
Source: National Museum of the American Latino
Celebrating Culture, Identity, and Impact
Hispanic Heritage Month highlights the richness of Hispanic and Latino traditions, from language, food, music, and art to groundbreaking achievements in science, politics, and business. It reminds us of influential figures like civil rights activist César Chávez, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and Nobel Prize–winning author Gabriel García Márquez, who have all left an indelible mark on our world.
This month also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and heritage, ensuring future generations understand the resilience, creativity, and strength that define Hispanic and Latino communities.
Contributions Across the Plastics Industry
Beyond the arts and humanities, Hispanic innovators have made significant advancements in science and industry, including plastics and polymers. In manufacturing and material sciences, Hispanic scientists and engineers have driven research and innovations that continue to shape modern industries.
Notable trailblazers include:
Alejandro Zaffaroni: A Uruguayan entrepreneur and researcher, Zaffaroni advanced the use of polymers in pharmaceuticals by inventing the transdermal patch, a plastic-based technology that delivers medication through the skin.
Sandra Pascoe Ortiz: A Mexican researcher and engineer, she is known for developing a non-toxic, renewable, and biodegradable plastic derived from cactus juice.
In addition, many organizations are expanding opportunities in STEM. Groups such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and LatinX in ChE play key roles in fostering Hispanic representation within scientific and engineering fields.
Ways to Learn and Engage
Hispanic Heritage Month is also an opportunity for education and connection. Museums, libraries, and cultural centers across the country host exhibits, lectures, and performances that share the stories of Hispanic and Latino heritage. Online resources, such as the National Hispanic Heritage Month website, provide access to historical archives, multimedia exhibits, and teaching materials.
Individuals can participate by exploring Hispanic literature, attending community events, or supporting Hispanic-owned businesses. Each act of engagement helps strengthen cultural appreciation and inclusivity.
More Than a Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is not just a 30-day observance: it is a reminder that Hispanic and Latino culture is an integral part of the American story. This celebration honors a legacy of resilience and achievement while acknowledging the vital role these communities play in molding our future. By learning from and celebrating Hispanic heritage, we ensure these traditions remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.