From September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich histories, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. What started as a one-week celebration in 1968 was expanded to a month-long event in 1988, recognizing the important role that millions of Americans of Hispanic and Latino descent play in shaping our nation.

Why September 15?

The date is significant because it marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico follows with its Independence Day on September 16, and Chile on September 18. These celebrations remind us that Hispanic Heritage Month is about honoring resilience, freedom, and the pursuit of identity across many nations.

Contributions Across America

Hispanic and Latino Americans have influenced every part of life in the U.S.

• In science and space exploration, in 1993, Dr. Ellen Ochoa made history as the first Hispanic woman in space aboard the shuttle Discovery. A talented engineer and astronaut, she went on to become the 11th director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where she encouraged diversity in STEM fields and supported future space exploration.

• In law and justice, Appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina justice to serve on the nation’s highest court. Coming from a modest background in the Bronx, she rose to prominence through hard work and determination, and today she inspires millions with her commitment to justice, equality, and representation.

  

• In civil rights, leaders like César Chávez and Dolores Huerta were well-known icons. César Chávez was a powerful voice for farm workers, co-founding the United Farm Workers union in 1962. Through nonviolent protests, strikes, and boycotts, he fought for fair wages, humane working conditions, and respect for agricultural laborers, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Dolores Huerta is a lifelong activist and co-founder of the United Farm Workers, working alongside César Chávez. She championed labor rights, women’s rights, and education reform, and her famous slogan, “Sí, se puede” (“Yes, we can”), became a rallying cry for empowerment and social justice movements nationwide.

• In music and the arts, icons such as Selena Quintanilla, Shakira, and Lin-Manuel Miranda have brought Latin culture to global audiences. Known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena Quintanilla rose to fame in the 1990s with her powerful voice, groundbreaking music, and vibrant stage presence. She became a cultural icon for Latinos worldwide, and even after her tragic death, her music and fashion continue to inspire generations. Shakira, the Colombian singer-songwriter, has become an international superstar with hits that blend Latin, pop, and rock influences. Beyond her music career, she is also a humanitarian, founding the Barefoot Foundation to provide education and opportunities for children in underprivileged communities. Lin-Manuel Miranda is an award-winning playwright, composer, and performer best known for his groundbreaking musicals Hamilton and In the Heights. By infusing hip-hop, Latin rhythms, and diverse storytelling into Broadway, he revolutionized theater and continues to use his platform to promote culture, history, and humanitarian causes.

But Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just about famous names. Every day, Hispanic and Latino families contribute through hard work, traditions, and values—whether by running small businesses, serving in the military, teaching in schools, or raising the next generation.

Culture in Our Classrooms

In schools, this month is an opportunity to learn and share. Traditional foods like tamales, empanadas, arroz con pollo, and pupusas remind us of how food carries stories across generations. Music and dance styles—such as salsa, bachata, reggaetón, and mariachi—fill communities with energy and identity. Even the Spanish language itself, spoken by more than 42 million people in the U.S., adds depth to our daily lives and classrooms. Celebrating Hispanic heritage also means recognizing the diversity within it. Hispanic and Latino communities come from over 20 different countries, each with unique traditions, dialects, and customs. Together, they form a vibrant part of the American mosaic.

Why It Matters for Students

For students, Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to connect history with the present. It encourages pride for those who share this heritage, while offering everyone else a chance to learn and appreciate. Exploring Hispanic literature, trying out new music, or even learning a few Spanish phrases can open doors to greater understanding and respect. It also reminds us that America’s strength lies in its diversity. By honoring Hispanic heritage, we celebrate inclusion, empathy, and the idea that many different voices can come together to tell one story: the story of our country.

Cardinal Nation received input from a member of our school community who identifies as Hispanic and could personally relate to this topic. She was asked four interview questions, which she answered to the best of her ability, and her responses are shared below.

Cardinal Nation: Can you share what Hispanic Heritage Month means to you personally?

“For me personally it just means a time where Hispanics can be appreciated somewhere outside of their own country and be known for what they have accomplished.”

Cardinal Nation: How do you celebrate or honor your cultural heritage?

“It varies for every culture or country you’re from. But for my family and my culture, we like to get together for holidays and birthdays. We dance our cultural dances like cumbia. But also dances from other countries like vallenato, reggaeton, and merengue. We dance with friends, family, significant others or anyone that is at a party you’re at.”

Cardinal Nation: Who is a Hispanic or Latin American figure that inspires you, and why?

“A Latin American figure that inspires me in Sofia Vergara. She was one of the first Latin American women that became popular among Hollywood. She gave Highlighted Colombia culture and made it known around the U.S.”

Cardinal Nation: What advice would you give young people in the Hispanic/Latino community about embracing their heritage?

“I would tell them to not lose their roots because of the embarrassment of their culture. They should feel proud for being Hispanic/Latin American because that’s what differences them from others.”

A Month of Reflection and Celebration

As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, think about how you can participate. Read a poem by Pablo Neruda, try a recipe from a Latin American country, listen to artists who sing in Spanish, or ask a classmate about their family traditions. Small acts of curiosity and appreciation help us grow closer as a community. Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a history lesson—it is a celebration of identity, resilience, and creativity. It is a reminder that the past, present, and future of the United States are deeply connected to Hispanic and Latino stories.

So this month, let’s take pride in learning, honoring, and celebrating together.

Top 3 Popular Hispanic Heritage Month Poems

Poem: “To Hope”
By Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and Rhina P. Espaillat

Green spell that so beguiles humanity, unreasoning hope, gilded delirium,
dream that the sleepless dream, unrescued from
the fantasy of fortunes not to be;

soul of the world, old age dressed handsomely,
imaginary blossoming of some
bare branch, the lucky man’s today—“to come
tomorrow,” says the luckless man, “for me”:

Let them who will follow and live for you,
those who, green-spectacled, pursue in vain
chimaeras they create and trust too much.

Saner about my fate, I keep my two
eyes in my two hands, and find it plain
there’s nothing I can see but what I touch.

Poem: “Roots”
By: Sofia Escalante

Here we stand
rooted from the ground
holding each other’s hands
outstanding brilliant minds
women or man
the strength we carry with our guardian angels
wisdom
the roots are working hands
making the supplies with love
for you to enjoy
Las penas con pan son buenos
we are the roots
flowers blooming as our actions beat the odds
having political views thinking we won’t achieve
just fall
which pushes us to succeed
believe it
we dream it
we’re always gonna persevere
don’t let foolish opinions let you assume with fear
being Latino/a is beyond marvelous to embrace
for me
beautiful skin with a wide selection
various hair textures that can’t compare beyond measure
the nature beauty
with a fresh face is already a win
no wall or injustice can break us
we are the roots
foolish opinions will never ever justify what our people bring
to the table
our roots are strong , brave, creative, and optimistic
spiritually a mystery
we are the roots

time to write our stories

Poem: “We Are of a Tribe”
By: Alberto Ríos

We plant seeds in the ground
And dreams in the sky,
Hoping that, someday, the roots of one
Will meet the upstretched limbs of the other.
It has not happened yet.
We share the sky, all of us, the whole world:
Together, we are a tribe of eyes that look upward,
Even as we stand on uncertain ground.
The earth beneath us moves, quiet and wild,
Its boundaries shifting, its muscles wavering.
The dream of sky is indifferent to all this,
Impervious to borders, fences, reservations.
The sky is our common home, the place we all live.
There we are in the world together.
The dream of sky requires no passport.
Blue will not be fenced. Blue will not be a crime.
Look up. Stay awhile. Let your breathing slow.
Know that you always have a home here.