September 15 to October 15 marks the 58th annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. This month-long commemoration highlights Hispanic Americans and how they have inspired the nation and American society.
The Hispanic Heritage Month government website notes how universally recognized this month is on the national level. “The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum…” all take the time to recognize the contributions Hispanic Americans have brought to the U.S.
How Hispanic Heritage Month Came to Be
Hispanic Heritage Month was first introduced as a week-long celebration by California Congressman George E. Brown in June 1968. This was in response to the Civil Rights Movement, with a newfound embrace of the U.S.’s cultural melting pot. Public Law 90-498, which legally recognized Hispanic Heritage Week, passed in Congress on September 17, 1968.
September 15 has significant meaning as well. Congressman Johnson emphasized the start date as historically significant for many Hispanic countries that gained independence after years of colonization. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Mexico (September 16, 1810) and Belize (September 21, 1981) also declared independence from Spanish and British colonization, respectively.
The first time a month-long celebration became an idea was when California Representative Esteban E. Torres, a Mexican American, submitted H.R. 3182, a bill to extend Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month. This move “will allow our Nation to properly observe and coordinate events and activities to celebrate Hispanic culture and achievement.” This bill wouldn’t pass, but an amended version of the 1968 Public Law 90-498—S. 2200 submitted by Illinois Senator Paul Simon—passed the Senate, and President Ronald Regan signed it into law on August 18, 1988. On September 14, 1989, George H. W. Bush would be the first president to declare September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
What Does “Hispanic” Mean?
Hispanic refers to a person’s culture or origin, regardless of race. Merriam-Webster defines it as “Of, relating to, or being a native of Spanish-speaking Latin America or a descendant of such a person.”
The term originates from Spain itself, which is considered Hispanic by definition. Countries and their people who are Hispanic have a historic connection to the Spanish language. Spanish is either the primary language or the official majority language in 21 recognized countries and territories: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Spain.
“Hispanic” Vs. “Latino” …
Hispanic is often confused with or used interchangeably with “Latino,” but they refer to distinct groups of people. It pertains to any Spanish-speaking culture or people.
“Latino” specifically refers to people with Latin American ancestry. The region predominantly speaks Spanish, but some argue that “Latino” includes regions unified by Romance languages like Portuguese and French. This means countries like Brazil and Haiti are Latino. Countries and territories usually considered “Latino” include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
“Hispanic” and “Latino” are not mutually exclusive. Someone from Spain is Hispanic but not Latino; someone from Haiti or Brazil is Latino but not Hispanic, while someone from Cuba is considered both Hispanic and Latino.
… Vs. “Latinx”
“Latinx” is a term that sparked international debate and still starts some heated discussions among the Latino community.
“Latinx” is the gender-neutral alternative to the masculine Latino and feminine Latina. It refers to people of Latin American descent who don’t identify as male or female. The term’s first known use was in the early 2000s, and added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 2018.
The term is nothing short of controversial. Many believe it originates from unnecessary political correctness.
University of California published an article about Latin and Hispanic identities in 2021 by Mexican American Editor and Project Manager Antonio Campos. Campos explains the hesitant attitude towards “Latinx” because “…it represents a kind of language imperialism by imposing a new English word onto a Spanish word and rendering it unpronounceable.” Many argue this is an example of linguistic imperialism.
A November 2023 Pew Research Center survey explored the understanding of “Latinx” among Hispanic and Latino Americans. Their responses reinforce the general distaste for the term. Most Latinos aware of “Latinx” (75%) said it shouldn’t describe the general Hispanic or Latin American population. Differences grew by demographics (age, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, etc.), but the consensus leaned away from general use of “Latinx”.
What It Means to Be Hispanic In 2026
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m sharing my experiences and those of other Hispanic employees at Just N Life. Understanding Hispanic voices and perspectives honors the legacy of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I am…a no sabo kid… I confuse my family because I understand Spanish and can read it, but I can’t speak [Spanish]! I promise… I am working to improve my Spanish-speaking skills.
Brie Lopez, a marketing intern lead with JNL, is Mexican American.
Growing up Mexican while born and raised in the U.S. has its ups and downs. I am very proud to be Mexican and enjoy sharing my culture and traditions. The hard times… are when people from the U.S. assume I know all there is to know about Mexico but don’t realize that I grew up [in the U.S.] … Then people from Mexico hear I’m from the U.S. and [they think] I’m not Mexican; I’m American. We’re viewed as if we don’t belong on both sides when we are both… I believe [being both] … I am Americanized and have felt like I’m losing part of myself at times to fit in, so I strongly believe that it’s important that we recognize our heritage and celebrate it.”
“For me, being Hispanic in 2026 is something I feel incredibly proud of, but it has also come with some complicated experiences, especially since moving to the United States from Colombia.
Andy Zapata, a creator with JNL, is Columbian American
There have been moments when I’ve felt a little out of place because of my accent, speaking Spanish with my family, or simply because people can tell that I’m not originally from here. I’ve experienced situations that made me uncomfortable and moments of xenophobia that reminded me that, despite how diverse the U.S. is, there are still people who make assumptions about you based on where you’re from or how you speak. Those experiences can be difficult, but they’ve also made me appreciate my identity even more.
At the same time, I’ve had so many beautiful experiences here. I’ve met people who are genuinely curious about Colombia, my language, my traditions, my music, and my perspective as someone who grew up somewhere completely different. I’ve had conversations with people who want to learn Spanish, try Colombian food, listen to Latin American music, or simply understand more about where I come from. Those moments have made me feel like my culture is something I can share rather than something I ever need to hide…
That’s one [thing] I appreciate most about living here: there is so much room for different cultures and forms of expression.
As an artist, I’ve been able to meet people from completely different backgrounds and find common ground through music, illustration, film, and storytelling. Sometimes you don’t even need to speak the same language to connect with someone through art.
[Hispanic Heritage Month is] a chance to celebrate where we come from but also recognize how much Hispanic and Latino communities contribute to the culture around us every day. I’m proud to be Colombian and share that part of myself with people I’ve met here. My accent, my Spanish, my upbringing, my music, and my stories are all pieces of who I am, and I think there’s something beautiful about being able to bring those pieces with me wherever I go.
For me, Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just about looking back at where we come from. It’s also about being proud of the space we’re creating for ourselves now, and making sure our voices, our art, and our stories continue to be part of the future.”
“I’m very proud of my Cuban heritage from my father’s side, growing up in Florida and spending some of my formative years in Miami, known for Calle 8, Little Havana, and a massive Spanish-speaking community. That said, I do feel some cultural disconnect being a no sabo kid and having little to no contact with direct relatives from my father’s side. I’m very Americanized, but I am happy to represent where I come from and support fellow Hispanic and Latino voices and creators.
Magdalene Herrera, a multimedia journalist at JNL, is Cuban American.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a huge point of pride for me, and I always feel proud to see fellow Hispanic figures make history and break barriers.”
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