With more than 62 million people in the United States who identify as Hispanic, it’s important to understand their rich history and contributions. Educators can use Newsela’s Hispanic Heritage collection to teach students about the diverse people and traditions that make up this community.
While it’s easy to lump together a large group of people with different cultures under one umbrella term, many people find comfort in using specific descriptors—such as Latina, Latino, and the non-gendered terms, Latine and Latinx—to refer to themselves and their families. These words help describe their cultural background, including where they grew up, their nationality and ethnic origin, as well as the languages they speak.
In addition, these words can also highlight specific aspects of their culture, such as a favorite food or family tradition. For example, the word “Mexican” is used to reference a broad set of cultural traits, but it can also be seen as an adjective that emphasizes the importance of Mexican cuisine, music, or dance. This is particularly true in metropolitan areas that have the largest Hispanic populations, where most people identify as Mexican. For instance, three-quarters of Hispanics in the Chicago and Los Angeles metro areas identify as Mexican, compared to only about half of those living in the Houston and Boston metros.
Latinos are among the fastest-growing groups in the country, yet they face significant challenges when it comes to personal finances and are less likely than other racial or ethnic groups to be college graduates. In addition, they are more likely than other groups to live in poverty and to have a household income below the federal poverty line.
These challenges are made even more complex by ongoing political discussions surrounding immigration and the border crisis. As the nation continues to wrestle with the effects of migration, Hispanic Heritage Month is an ideal time to discuss the issues, show solidarity with people seeking a better life, and advocate for humane immigration policies.
Aside from the economic and political contributions of Hispanics, there are many other ways this community has shaped American culture and society. For example, many notable figures in the arts have roots in Latin America, from singers like Gloria Estefan and Madonna to musicians like Carlos Santana and Selena, as well as writers such as Gabriel Garc
During Hispanic Heritage Month, explore these historic places and learn about the varied heritage of the people who have called them home. And don’t forget that all Americans have a role to play in celebrating and honoring our shared history and heritage. We hope you’ll join us!