September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Latinx American Heritage Month. Observed since 1968, it celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This month corresponds with Independence Day for the countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua on September 15, Mexican Independence Day on September 16, and recognizes the Argentinian Independence Revolution in 1810 that ended Spanish dictatorship. We appreciate and celebrate the importance of people from Latinx, Chicanx, and Hispanic backgrounds, the way that they are woven into the fabric of this country, and the important contributions and sacrifices they have made. We also acknowledge that many individuals choose to identify with their family’s specific country or origin and that the terms ‘Hispanic’ and ‘Latinx’ may obscure important cultural differences and/or exclude certain cultural identities. It is important that we remain mindful of the terminology we use, with the goal of neither generalizing nor mis-identifying the cultural groups we strive to recognize and celebrate.
Additional resources for further learning:
- Famous Firsts by Hispanic Americans, Infoplease.com
- What is the difference between Hispanic, Mexican, Latino and Chicano, Spanish Dictionary
- Young Latinos born in the US carving their own identity, NBCNews
- Hispanic Heritage Month, National Archives
- The Voices of Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month, Hulu Shorts
- Featured Psychologists for National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, APA
- 14 Famous Latinx Therapists and Mental Health Experts to Follow on Instagram, Bustle
- National Latinx Psychological Association