When most people think about fall, they might think of Halloween and the festivities that surround it. However, more importantly, fall is the time of Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is a time for people to reflect on their culture and celebrate it. It was first introduced by George Brown, a congressman, in 1968. However, it was originally celebrated for only a week. President Johnson passed a proclamation on September 17, 1968, officially calling September 15 and 16 the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Week. These dates are significant, as they recognize the independence days of multiple countries. Esteban Torres, a U.S. Representative, was the first person to suggest turning the week of celebration into a month. President Reagan signed a bill in 1988, and, in 1989, President George H. W. Bush officially announced that Hispanic Heritage Month would be celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States. This broader time period included more countries’ independence days, thus embracing more Hispanic cultures.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, people should take the time to learn more about the culture of Hispanic and Latino communities. Not only should we learn about the people who make up those communities, but also the people who have impacted them and played a major role within the community and their history. Considering that about a fifth of the U.S. population is Hispanic, it should be important for us to have a good understanding of their culture. Especially here in West Palm Beach, where a quarter of our population is Hispanic or Latino, we should find it necessary to research and celebrate the people that make up that community. After all, our country is very diverse, yet we are all just one, big community. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!