Hispanic Heritage Month (Open external link) is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of people with roots in 20 Latin American countries and territories. This community represents over 19% of the population, and their influence is felt across the country.
National Hispanic Heritage Month was first observed as a week-long celebration under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. In 1988, Congress passed and President Ronald Reagan signed a bill expanding the observation to the current 31 day period that starts on September 15th and ends on October 15. The dates were chosen to coincide with the Independence Days of several Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico.
NBCUniversal shines a spotlight on this vibrant community, connecting with them through authentic, engaging content and collaborations with leading global brands, this year and beyond. The company is also focusing on educating audiences through the creation of the new Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino (Open external link), set to open on the National Mall in 2024.
The museum will bring together stories that will provide a more comprehensive, nuanced and holistic view of the diverse and rich experiences of the Latino community. These stories will tell the story of a people that have made a profound impact on our nation and the world.
A key goal of the museum is to inspire young people and future generations through exhibitions, events and online resources that will help them understand the significance of their heritage and its influence on modern-day culture. This includes exploring the broader themes of immigration, civic engagement and leadership, arts and entertainment, sports, education, family and health.
As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, it is important to honor and learn from the many communities that make up this country. This is why the National Museum of American History is proud to host this event that brings together experts in their respective fields from around the nation.
A virtual potluck is a great way to connect and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your team! Invite team members to share their favorite Latin American recipes. Alternatively, consider hosting a live guest speaker to introduce a new perspective during your team video calls this month.