Westerville Honors Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is celebrated annually from September 15-October 15 to acknowledge the history, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced to over 20 countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

In the United States, there are approximately 60 million people who have ancestries connected to these countries who reside in the United States, representing approximately 18% of the U.S. population. Many labels are used for this pan ethnic group, with the most common umbrella terms being “Hispanic” and “Latina/e/o/x.” Hispanic Americans have been influential in every part of this nation's history. (1)

The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. 

The start of the month, September 15, is significant, as several Latin American countries celebrate their independence from Spain on this day, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence during the month on September 16th and 18th respectively. 

Each year a theme is selected for National Hispanic Heritage Month. The theme for 2023 is "Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One,”

For a comprehensive history of National Hispanic Heritage Month and a listing of events throughout Central Ohio, please visit the following links: 

• Hispanic Heritage Month
• "Timeline of Latino American History" (PBS)
• Ohio Hispanic Coalition