According to the U.S. Census Bureau Press Release entitled, "Facts For Features (Special Edition): Hispanic Heritage Month" (CB06-FF.14, September 5, 2006):
DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: "America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean."
AS IS WIDELY KNOWN: People of Hispanic origin constitute both the largest and the fastest growing ethnic or race minority in the United States.
HOWEVER, DID YOU KNOW? That was not the case when, "In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week," or when "The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15)."
WHY DOES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15? "Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively."
PARA APRENDER MÁS (TO LEARN MORE):
- About Hispanic Heritage Month, these online resources and the Amazon.com Hispanic Heritage Month
offerings depicted at the above and below this posting are very informative.
- About the demographics of Hispanic people living in the United States, access the U.S. Census Bureau's "Facts on the Hispanic or Latino Population."
- About the demographics of other ethnic and racial minorities living in the United States, I suggest accessing the U.S. Census Bureau's "Minority Links For Media: Quick and easy links to the latest data on racial and ethnic populations in the United States."
- About the debate about the appropriate use of the terms "Hispanic," "Ibero" and "Latino" read, "In defense of political correctness," Italo G. Savella
