Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Casa!

“Not all of the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to our society are so visible or so widely celebrated. However, Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation beyond measure with the quiet strength of closely knit families and proud communities.”

President George Bush

September 15th through October 18th is a very important time at Casa. Why? Because we all get to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Our teachers, many who come to our centers through our international program, get to celebrate their culture and share with our community a little piece of home. At Casa, we begin with a special fun day where our teachers wear clothing that represents their home countries. Our centers are filled with decorations, music, presentations, and food for everyone to try. Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month here and join us in this event!

History

Hispanic Heritage Month is a beautiful and lively celebration honoring the culture, history, and contributions of the hispanic population to the United States. With over 60.47 million people, this is the largest minority accounting for around 18% of the total population. However, this celebration was not always a month long. 

In the 1960s, during the height of the civil rights movement, many politicians and Americans began to see the need to recognize the contributions of all minorities in the United States. Congressman Geroge E. Brown of California, wanted to highlight everything the hispanic population had done for years without recognition, thus he introduced his bill to Congress in 1968. Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and 20 years later President Ronald Reagan extended it to a month-long celebration. 

But why does it start in the middle of the month? September 15th is very important for many Central American countries, as it was the day when they gained their independence. Mexico celebrates their independence one day later, and Chile on the 18th. Due to this large cluster of international celebrations, it was deemed appropriate to join Latin America.

The Importance of Hispanic Heritage Month

Contributions to the United States economy, foundation, culture, and growth by this community are unbelievable. Hispanic influences can be seen in our everyday lives, even if we are not fully aware of it. This event is important for everyone to celebrate not only to learn about our neighbors and better understand American history, but also to learn about current issues the population faces. It gives a national platform for those to share who they are, and for others to listen. 

Hispanic Heritage Month is very important for our society’s growth and our young children’s development. From a young age they will be able to learn more about the different people that make up the United States, and will learn to respect and be welcoming of other cultures. It allows children to explore and celebrate our differences!   

How Can You Celebrate?

There are great celebrations for everyone to enjoy! Research what events may be happening in your city. Along with those, here are a few ideas:

Support Hispanic-owned businesses: Go to a local restaurant and try different dishes or support local entrepreneurs. Do not be afraid to ask questions! People love speaking about their culture and work. 

Learn about Latin American history: Your local library is a great place to find books for both adults and children. Choose a country and dive in!

Make a Hispanic meal: You will find great recipes in our Instagram account thanks to our amazing teachers! Each month we celebrate a Latin American country, so to honor them we share a traditional recipe. 

Learn Spanish: This is a great way to further connect with the community and welcome those who may still be working on their English. By meeting them halfway and investing time to learn their language, you are supporting their goals in the United States.