From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Latin America, Spain, and Spanish-speaking countries. This annual recognition is a chance to honor the resilience, impact, and diversity of Latine, Latinx, and Hispanic communities.
This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive future through a deeper understanding and respect for diverse identities. To build this inclusive future, we must first grasp the significance of the terminology used to honor these communities. In this article, we’ll explore key terms and offer meaningful ways to celebrate Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in 2024.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long observance initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, later expanded to a full month in 1988. It celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Latin America, Spain, and Spanish-speaking nations.
The timing, from mid-September to mid-October, coincides with the Independence Days of several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Chile, and Central American nations. This month honors the many ways Hispanic and Latine people have influenced American society—from the arts to politics, labor movements, and beyond.
Latino, Latinx, Hispanic, or Latine? Which Term Should You Use
Before celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to understand who is being honored and why the terminology used matters. Each term reflects different aspects of identity, heritage, and inclusivity.
- Hispanic: Refers to individuals from Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain but usually excluding Brazil. The U.S. government popularized this term in the 1970s to describe people from Spanish-speaking nations in a way that united all these communities. It emphasizes the language connection but can sometimes evoke Spain’s colonial history in Latin America.
- Latino/Latina: Refers to someone from Latin American countries, including Brazil, but typically excluding Spain. It is more of a geographical term than linguistic. Not all Brazilians identify with this term, but some do.
- Latinx: A gender-neutral term created by American-born individuals seeking inclusivity, especially for non-binary people. It replaces the gendered terms “Latino” or “Latina” and explicitly includes everyone, regardless of gender. Though it’s widely used in the U.S., it has sparked debate about its linguistic compatibility with Spanish.
- Latine: Another gender-neutral option that emerged from Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ communities, “Latine” replaces the gendered “o” or “a” with an “e”, making it more organic to Spanish while maintaining inclusivity. This term is more common in Latin America itself, whereas Latinx is more prevalent in the U.S.
- Chicano/Chicana: Specifically refers to individuals of Mexican descent living in the U.S. The term has historical roots in the civil rights movement, symbolizing pride in Mexican-American heritage. It is often associated with activism and identity within the U.S.-Mexican community.
The ongoing evolution of language reflects the complexity and richness of Latin American identities. There’s no one-size-fits-all term—what matters is intentionality and respect for individual preferences.
Why Terminology Matters
Choosing the right term isn’t just about precision; it’s about respect and recognition. Each term carries its own history, connotations, and significance, and using them thoughtfully helps in honoring diverse identities and experiences.
- Be Specific: Whenever possible, use specific terms related to cultural heritage (e.g., Mexican, Puerto Rican) instead of broad labels.
- Respect Preferences: Pay attention to how individuals prefer to be identified. It’s always best to ask and use the terms they’re comfortable with.
Understanding these terms can help foster more respectful and inclusive conversations and celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.
Ways to Honor Hispanic Heritage Month
There are many ways to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month, embracing the culture and contributions of the 33 Latin American countries represented in the U.S.
- Learn about Hispanic Contributions: Explore the history and achievements of Hispanic individuals across various fields through resources from the Library of Congress, National Endowment for the Humanities, or the History Channel.
- Celebrate Hispanic Music: Discover the lasting impact of Hispanic artists by listening to curated playlists or attending a live music event featuring Latin music genres.
- Read Hispanic Authors: Expand your knowledge by reading books by Hispanic authors, such as Sandra Cisneros, or exploring book lists from sites like Read Brightly.
- Support Hispanic-Owned Businesses: Visit and support local Hispanic-owned businesses in your community to celebrate and uplift Hispanic entrepreneurs.
- Attend Cultural Events: Participate in or attend local Hispanic Heritage Month events, parades, or festivals to experience Latin American culture firsthand.
- Try Hispanic Cuisine: Share a meal from a Hispanic restaurant or try cooking traditional dishes at home, embracing the rich culinary traditions of Latin America.
A more inclusive workforce
At Merit America, representation matters.
Right now, only 8% of the IT workforce is Latino. At the same time more than 18% of the entire American workforce is Spanish speaking – and growing fast. It’s time for the tech industry to become as diverse as the people it serves, and we’re working toward that goal every day.
If you’re seeking an inclusive, accessible path to career advancement, explore our Career Tracks and learn more about How It Works.
This month, we’re proudly celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month across our social channels—follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to join the conversation. Happy Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month!