What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic culture, coinciding with the national independences of Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. Since 1968,the cultural event has been celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are five facts you may not have known:
- Former President Lyndon Johnson started Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, but was later expanded into an entire month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, according to the Pew Research Center.
- The term “Hispanic” was created in relationship to people colonized in Portugal and Spain in relationship to Hispania.
- Those of Mexican origin account for 34 million (or two-thirds) of the United States’ Latinos.
- Over 35 million Latinos speak the Spanish language within their household as either a primary or secondary language.
- The Hispanic population in Georgia grew 130 percent between the years of 1980 and 1995.
If you’re interested in learning more about or getting involved with the Hispanic community, here are a few events you can check out:
For 16 years, the Latino Youth Leadership conference has inspired students of a Latino origin to chase after their dreams and getting a higher form of education. Their conference focuses on providing students the tools to succeed in high school, how to develop leadership skills, and assist with finding careers.
Date: November 7th, 2015
Where: Georgia State University
Ticket price: FREE (online registration is needed)
Only in its first year, The Avanzando Juntas project was created with the mission of being a successful Latina empowerment conference. The conference will feature Latina women who have paved a great path and educational resources.
Date: February 27th, 2016
Where: The Westminster Schools
Ticket price: FREE (online registration is needed)
