Over the next four weeks, Americans will be celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month at home and at work.
The month-long event celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope”, is the observance theme for this year’s Hispanic Heritage month, confirmed the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM).
“The theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage; and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It encourages us to reflect on all of the contributions Hispanics have made in the past; and will continue to make in the future. It is also a reminder that we are stronger together,” stated NCHEPM.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HISTORY
The observance started out as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson back in 1968. It was extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988; to cover a 30-day period starting on 15 September and ending on 15 October.
The month-long celebration starts on the 15 September because it coincides with several Latin American country national independence days. September 15 is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence day on 16 September, Chile on 18 September and Belize on 21 September. Columbus Day (or Día de la Raza), celebrated on 12 October, also falls within this 30-day period.
GROWING HISPANIC POPULATION
The month long event is important, particularly for employers as Hispanics and Latinos make up an increasing portion of the overall US population. The 2020 US Census showed that Hispanics and Latinos make up a fast-growing, multiracial group. In 2020, 62.1 million people identified as Hispanic or Latino; that’s 18% of the US population. That number had grown 23% since 2010; compared to just 4.3% of the US population not of Hispanic or Latino origin.
Additionally, between 2010 and 2020, just over half of the total US population growth (51.1%), was due to growth among Hispanics or Latinos, according to the US Census Bureau. In short, the growing Hispanic population is just another reason why Hispanic Heritage Month is important, and why communities and workplaces should celebrate it.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH TOOLKIT
In fact, Hispanic Heritage Month “is a great opportunity for businesses to connect meaningfully with US Hispanics,” according to Claudia Romo Edelman; Founder of Hispanic Star and We are All Human. “Your Hispanic employees will appreciate your support. And your consumers will strengthen their emotional brand with your company and brands.”
To help organisations celebrate the month, Edelman recently launched The Hispanic Heritage Month Toolkit. “It’s a complete package of everything you need to start promoting the Hispanic community with your company, peers, family and friends,” she added. Click here to access the toolkit.
Earlier this year, on International Nurses Day, Hispanic Star and NurseHeroes.org launched a scholarship programme ‘Hispanic Star Nurse Heroes’, to tackle the shortage of nurses in the US. Click here to read more.
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