Schools and Libraries
September 21, 2023
From: Darien LibraryNational Hispanic Heritage Month begins this week on September 15th and runs through October 15th.
The intention of beginning a heritage month on the 15th of the month is significant for many. September 15th is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days in September.
The theme of Hispanic Heritage Month for 2023 is Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.
According to the Pew Research Center, by 2050 those who identity as Hispanic or Latinx will make up one-quarter of the country’s total population.
In 2020, Congress enacted legislation to create an American Latino Museum in Washington D.C. which will be part of The Smithsonian Institution. While the building project is still in the planning phase, the Molina Family Latino Gallery is currently on view at the National Museum of American History.
"Somos" (We Are), a documentary directed by Alberto Ferraras, tells of the complexity and nuance of the Latino Identity. You can view an excerpt of the film and read the transcript online at the National Museum of the American Latino’s website.