Community Center - Hispanic

September is Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning on September 15, is celebrated nationwide, and marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico attained independence on September 16th and Chile on September 18th. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974, when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long observation.

The Hispanic tradition and culture has influenced numerous aspects of our communities, from our well known historic landmarks to the food and music we enjoy. Hispanic Heritage Month is truly a special time to raise public awareness of the impression of the Hispanic community.

The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the 2000 Census.

Individuals and families who arrived from Spain and Latin American countries continue to make a positive impact in the United States. From owning successful businesses, teaching our students and holding elected office, our Hispanic population is not only strengthening the US today, but is creating a better and brighter tomorrow.

We encourage everyone to learn more about Hispanic heritage. Please join us during this month as we recognize the significant influence of the Hispanic community on our past, present and future.