National Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15. It’s an annual observance that showcases the cultures and contributions of America’s Hispanic population. That’s more than 65 million people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. NPR has kicked off the observance with a series called Latino Americans, and there’s a related education initiative to go along with it.
It’s a great way to introduce students to the diverse stories of Hispanic America. There’s a lot to explore, from the stories of migrant workers who helped build America’s cities to the groundbreaking science of Mario Molina, who won the Nobel Prize for his work with chlorofluorocarbons. Then there are the stories of Mexican-American singer Selena, the first Latina astronaut Ellen Ochoa and the renowned poet Judith Ortiz.
Hispanic Heritage Month can also provide an opportunity to discuss how race, ethnicity and culture are a part of identity. A 2015 Pew Research Center survey found that some Hispanic adults are unsure about what race they are. Some say they’re white, while others describe themselves as African-American or Latino.
And some Hispanic Americans have mixed-race identities, with one or more parent from a non-Hispanic background. NPR has explored these questions in a series of stories and podcasts, including interviews with a young woman who has black and Hispanic parents and a family that celebrates d
The National Archives is also helping to raise awareness of Hispanic Heritage Month with resources and events in Washington, D.C. and online. Its website includes a timeline, an interactive map and a digital exhibition on the Mendez family lawsuit, which was the case that successfully challenged school segregation based on racial and ethnic discrimination.
For a fun Hispanic Heritage Month activity at home, try giving game night a Latino twist. Try playing Loteria, Mexico’s version of Bingo, where players match words called out (like “el arbol” – the tree, or “el camarón” – the shrimp) to cards on their game board. If they get a row, they win!
Another idea is to make an artistic Hispanic Heritage Month banner. This is an easy, hands-on project that can be completed by kids of all ages. Or, try reading some Hispanic- or Latino-authored books. There are lots of options, from picture books to novels for older readers.
We want to hear your thoughts and ideas about how we can celebrate and learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month this year. Join us on X for a bilingual discussion in English and Spanish, and follow the hashtag #OMHxLatinoHHM on Twitter. You can also submit questions to be addressed in our live chat with NPR and our partners. And please share this story with your friends and colleagues. Thank you!