National Hispanic Heritage Month Starts Today
- Judy Lee
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
National Hispanic Heritage Month starts today and last through October 15th. This month was established to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, and people of Central and South American ancestry. Starting as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, it was later expanded to include an entire month in 1988.
While "Hispanic" is the official term used to describe heritage, it has a problematic history rooted in mislabeling, cultural erasure, Eurocentricity, and colonization. Teen Vogue explores the controversy in their well cited article, "The Problematic History of the Word "Hispanic". Latino(a), Latinx or Latine are alternative terms used today, with each connotating different meaning. In the article, Hispanic, Latino/a, Latinx or Latine? Find out how to use the terms, three professors from Temple University explore how each of these terms carry a complex history and are used by different people for different reasons. Ultimately, there is no one right answer and it's best to ask a person how they prefer to be referred.
Locally in the greater Puget Sound region, we are highlighting the work of the following organizations serving this community:
Casa Latina - Their goal is to help break the cycle of poverty within the Latino immigrant communities by helping women and men become economically independent. They offer job dispatch for day laborers and domestic workers to help meet their immediate financial needs. We've mentioned them in the last newsletter under our Ways to Take Action for Change section. If you would like to support the community during this turbulent time, they ask that you hire workers through them.
El Central De La Raza - Translated to "The Center for People of All Races," this organization is a voice and hub for the Latino/a community in King County. Their mission is to build a beloved community unifying all racial and economic sectors; to organize, empower, and defend the basic human rights of our most vulnerable and marginalized populations; and to bring critical consciousness, justice, dignity, and equity to all the peoples of the world.
To look for event highlights throughout September and October, be sure to check out of Social Justice/DEIB Calendar or visit Mexam's calendar of events.
