Throughout the year, the first of every month kicks off a commemorative month paying homage to, or raising awareness for a significant cause. In September, however, an important month starts midway through. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month will be observed nationwide, but what is it, and why is it important?

Hispanic Heritage Month began as a commemorative week in 1968 but was later expanded to an entire month in 1988. Since then, it’s been gaining steam and has been celebrated in many ways across the country. The date of Sept. 15 was chosen to coincide with the “Cry of Dolores,” which marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, and, with the expansion to Oct. 15, encompasses many Central and South American independence days. 

The Hispanic population in the United States at large accounts for roughly 19.5% of the total population as of 2023, and in Utah alone, roughly 16% of the population is Hispanic. This represents a significant amount of the population both locally and nationwide that comes from a Hispanic background. Beyond the large number of people who identify as Hispanic or of a Hispanic background, why is Hispanic Heritage Month so important to recognize?

For those with Hispanic heritage, it’s a time set aside to remember roots, ancestors, and family that have paved the way for current and future generations. For millennia, these people have endured trials and hardships and built empires and civilizations. Looking to the past can help serve as an inspiration for the future. It’s not just about the distant past either – Hispanic Heritage Month also highlights the many major contributions of Hispanic Americans across the history of this nation. 

From examples like civil and workers’ rights activist Cesar Chavez, whose name adorns many streets across the country, to entertainment giants like Lin Manuel Miranda and Selena Quintanilla, to sports figures like David Ortiz and Roberto Clemente, even in politics like Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Hispanic Americans have had a huge impact on American society. Put simply, the United States would not be the place it is today without the tremendous contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Hispanic Heritage Month can serve as a valuable time of education as well for those who do not claim ancestry from Central and South America. Learning about the struggles, sacrifices and contributions of Hispanic Americans across history, and especially locally cannot only generate empathy but can also help strengthen the ties of community across cultural and ethnic borders. This leads to perhaps the best ways that people in Davis and across the state can celebrate this month.

In addition to learning more about the Hispanic community in the state, and county, one of the best ways to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month may well be to support locally owned and operated Hispanic organizations and businesses. It’s difficult enough to open a small business, but doing so when, in many cases, English is a second language, is another challenge entirely. Receiving support from those outside their own community goes a long way to keeping these businesses afloat. 

More information on Hispanic Heritage Month, its origins, and the impact that Hispanic culture and people have had on the United States and its institutions can be found at www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov. Many other resources on how to better support the Hispanic community can also be found there, as well as resources on art, politics, sports, and more.