Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month
Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15th to October 15th, is a national celebration honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities in the United States. The term “Hispanic” refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, includingSpain but not Brazil. The term “Latine” refers to those from Latin America, includes Brazil but not Spain. We use the term Latine to honor this heritage month, although Latinx is a more common gender-neutral alternative. More recently, Latine has gained traction for being easier to pronounce in Spanish while still embracing a neutral stance. The month recognizes the rich heritages within these communities and highlights the profound impact Hispanic and Latine individuals have had on American society across generations. It is both a celebration and an opportunity for reflection, education, and deeper understanding.
The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson during a period of growing national awareness of civil rights and cultural identity. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a full month, acknowledging the need for broader recognition of Hispanic and Latine communities’ contributions.
The start date of September 15th holds historical significance: it marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, when they won their freedom from Spain’s colonial rule. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th, Chile celebrates on September 18th, and other nations such as Belize and St. Kitts and Nevis, observe related commemorations throughout the month. Part of honoring Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month is recognizing the efforts of Latin America against oppressive forces. Leaders such as Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín led independence movements throughout the early 1800s, ultimately forging the Latin American Revolution. The movement reached its decisive conclusion in 1824, when Antonio José de Sucre led patriot forces to victory at the Battle of Ayacucho, effectively ending Spain’s political control in Latin America. This legacy of resistance and resilience remains central to the month’s observance and to understanding the diverse histories that shape Hispanic and Latine communities today.
Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month highlights the various cultures within Hispanic and Latine communities. This variety is reflected in languages, traditions, foodways, music, and cultural practices. The month encourages people to explore this complexity rather than view Hispanic and Latine identities as monolithic. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct experiences of communities such as Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, Dominican Americans, Central Americans, South Americans, and Afro‑Latinos, each of whom contributes uniquely to the cultural fabric of the United States.
Throughout the month, schools, universities, cultural institutions, and community organizations host events that celebrate heritage and promote education. These programs often explore themes such as immigration, identity, language, and social justice, encouraging participants to engage thoughtfully with the histories and contemporary experiences of Hispanic and Latin communities. To learn more and access resources such as these, visit The National Museum of the American Latino’s resources webpage, or the National Hispanic Heritage Month webpage.
The month also provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latine individuals across fields such as science, politics, literature, education, business, and the arts. Figures like Sonia Sotomayor and Sylvia Rivera represent only a small portion of the leaders whose work has shaped national conversations and expanded opportunities for future generations. Their achievements reflect broader patterns of resilience, creativity, and community advocacy that continue to define Hispanic and Latine experiences in the United States.
In addition to celebrating cultural heritage, Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month encourages reflection on ongoing challenges faced by these communities, including disparities in education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and representation. The month serves as a reminder that honoring heritage also includes amplifying a wide range of voices and fostering environments where each individual can thrive.
Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month is a celebration of identity, history, and community. It invites people across the United States to learn, connect, and appreciate the richness of Hispanic and Latine cultures while recognizing the vital role these communities play in shaping the nation’s past, present, and future. By embracing both celebration and education, the month fosters deeper understanding and strengthens the collective commitment to honoring a variety of cultures in meaningful ways. At the University of Kansas, there are several opportunities to engage with Hispanic and Latine culture. The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) hosts many events throughout the month to educate and connect folks with different cultures. This includes the Waggoner Research Colloquium, a time for faculty and graduate students to share and discuss new research in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. CLACS also produces a yearly newsletter, the Kansas Latin Americanist, that reviews the Ccenter’s progress and engagement with the community.
At the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX (OCRTIX), we believe that when people feel a true sense of belonging, they are better able to reach their full potential and succeed. We are committed to uplifting each Jayhawk by fostering a culture where each person is seen, heard, and valued. Honoring a variety of identities, cultures, and observances allows us to make the University of Kansas a safe and welcoming place for everyone.