In the United States, there are 62 million Hispanic and Latina/o/x Americans. They come from over 50 countries and speak more than 20 languages. Their contributions and experiences are an essential part of American culture and history. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to explore this diversity.
Hispanic Heritage Month was established as a week-long celebration by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. It was expanded to a 30-day observance in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. It begins on September 15 because that day marks the independence of five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua—as well as Mexico’s Dia de la Raza on October 12.
When the Census Bureau began asking people to identify their racial or ethnic background in 1970, Hispanic was the term it chose for folks with roots in Spain or Latin America. The broader term Latino includes non-Spanish speaking countries in South and Central America as well as the Caribbean Islands, so it is inclusive of a wide range of cultures and histories.
The use of Hispanic and Latino can raise issues for some people because it conflates cultures that are historically and linguistically distinct from one another. Using the terms can also erase the centuries of pre-Columbian history that existed in the Americas before the arrival of Europeans, says historian Cristina Mora in her book Making Hispanics: How Activists, Bureaucrats and Media Created a New American.
Many of the issues that surround the use of Hispanic and Latino have to do with how the words are used to frame discussions about immigration, integration, identity, discrimination and power. The complexities of defining and describing groups of people have long been a challenge for researchers, scholars, journalists and everyday citizens alike.
A Changing Landscape
The Census has found that the makeup of Hispanics in America varies by city and region. Generally, Hispanics in metro areas in the West and Southwest are predominantly Mexican-American, while those in the Northeast tend to be more diverse. The most racially mixed Hispanic communities are in Miami and New York City.
A Changing Landscape for Latinas and Hispanics in the STEM Fields
In addition to the many accomplished female astronauts, engineers and scientists, there are also numerous Latina and Hispanic leaders in the field of science. Some of these include Nobel Prize winner Mario Molina, who studied chlorine in the ocean and discovered chlorofluorocarbons; botanist Ynes Mexia, who collected more than 150,000 plants; and NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa, who was the first Hispanic woman to become a space shuttle commander.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, take the opportunity to explore these diverse and impressive careers in science and beyond. Check out the National Postal Museum’s virtual exhibition on Celebrating Hispanic Heritage, which features a selection of Hispanic and Latino achievements and contributions. The exhibit also offers a wide variety of resources for educators.