National Hispanic American Heritage Month

 National Hispanic American Heritage Month

National Hispanic American Heritage Month Activities

NHAH Month Information Scavenger Hunt
click on the link above to view and print questions

Salsa Break in the Plaza
October 14, 2008 (Tuesday)
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Information, Music, and Refreshments
Plaza Building Lobby

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson was authorized by Congress to proclaim National Hispanic American Heritage Week.  The U.S. Government, in wanting to recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic-American citizens created Public Law 90-498, National Hispanic Heritage Week, on September 17, 1968.  The law was later amended by Public Law 100-402 expanding the event to National Hispanic Heritage Month on August 17, 1988.

As a result, America celebrates the culture of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.  September 15^th was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16^th and September 18^th, respectively.  Information about these countries can be accessed through the Central Intelligence Agency World Fact Book (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html). 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people who identify with the terms "Hispanic" or"Latino", classify themselves in one of the specific Hispanic or Latino categories.   Specifically, a Hispanic or Latino can be of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.  The terms "other Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino" are considered to be synonymous.  If you want to learn more about National Hispanic American Heritage Month and Hispanic/Latino culture click on or paste the following links in your web browser:

 Facts for Features

www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/resource_library/hispanic_resources.html

www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/hispanic/ 

www.nps.gov/hdp/exhibits/hispanic/main.htm

 www.infoplease.com/spot/hhm1.html

www.hnmagazine.com/

www.hispanicbusiness.com/default.asp

www.nea.org/readacross/hispanic.html

www.nclr.org/

www.impre.com/laraza/

www.urbanlatino.com/

www.impre.com/vistamagazine/

www.nhmamd.org/

Sources: US Census Bureau; Govdocs.evergreen.edu