Hispanic Heritage Month 2022
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Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. The September 15th start date marks the 201- year anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21, respectively.
The observation was first acknowledged in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, changed to a 30-day celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, and was finally enacted into a law on August 17, 1988.
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Hispanic Americans are identified by the countries from which they or their ancestors originated, including Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain, and can trace their roots back to the cultures of the Americas' indigenous peoples, including the Aztecs (Mexico), Arawaks (Puerto Rico), Incas (South America), Maya (Central America) and Tainos (in Cuba and Puerto Rico). Some can trace their roots back to the Spanish explorers, who set out in the 1400s to find a cheaper and easier way to trade with the Indies, and others can even trace their roots back to African slaves brought to the New World.
The United States Census Bureau revealed that the Hispanic population is the largest minority group in the United States with over 58.9 million people nationwide, so it's crucial that we take the time to appreciate their culture and celebrate the people who fill the United States with different forms of art, music and food.
Amplify ERG (formerly BIPOC ERG) welcomes you to come together to honor, advocate, and educate our workplace on the Hispanic and Latino experience. Following this year's theme, "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation," we will recognize and show appreciation for all Hispanic and Latin American countries that the MMGY community represents. Join us as we come together to celebrate Hispanic and Latino traditions, culture and communities.
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Hispanic progress is American progress.
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- Hispanics represent $1.9 trillion in purchasing power.
- $2.7 trillion is the U.S. Hispanic GDP, which represents 12% of the GDP. The Latino economy is the third-fastest growing economy in the entire world after China and India.
- 66% of new homes are bought by U.S. Hispanics.
- By 2050, one quarter of the U.S. population will be Hispanic.
- Hispanic families are 44% larger than non-Hispanic families.
- 74% of U.S. new workers are Hispanic.
- More than 250% is the growth of the Latino workforce in the past 25 years.
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Hispanics are breaking through barriers, disparities and lack of opportunities.
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- There's a 21% increased representation in management, business, science and arts. Hispanics are reaching higher-skilled jobs, including an 18% increase in computer-related occupations.
- Latinos are making inroads through education. Adults earning bachelor's and advanced degrees increased 73%.
- 80% of Latinas have major life-improvement plans.
- Between 2000 and 2019, the number of Latinas who earned a bachelor's degree or higher has doubled.
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Hispanics are shaping the culture and are an active and trusted part of the community.
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- 19 million Hispanics are essential workers. Latino workers account for 43% of farming, fishing and forestry staff. In second place is building/grounds cleaning and maintenance at 37.9%. Construction is at 35.7%, food preparation and serving are at 27.3%, and transportation and material moving are at 23.9%.
- 75% of Americans see Latinos as positive contributors to the country.
- Latin music is one of the top 5 consumed music genres (surpassing country music).
- 57% of all Millennials listen to Latin music.
- 44% say Latino culture is having a positive effect on America.
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Hispanics embody 200% of a person – 100% Hispanic and 100% American.
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- Latinos have contributed to the U.S. since the very beginning of the country's existence. They are the second-oldest ethnic group after Native Americans and have contributed to this great nation since the 16th century in sports, culture, retailing, media, entertainment, agriculture and more.
- Spanish was spoken in the U.S. territory 100 years before English.
- Latinos have fought to defend our freedom in every war. Most of the soldiers who fought for the U.S. Independence were Hispanics.
- Latinos have had a major impact on America's culture. In the 1500s, Latinos developed ranching and grazing economies through the Southwest.
- Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean rhythms helped shape the sounds of American jazz.
- The Latino contribution is fundamental because no other contribution has been so long-standing or so continued in the history of America.
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How to Celebrate
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September 15 to October 15 is a time for Hispanic Americans to celebrate and share their culture, history and traditions. Regardless of whether or not your family's roots descend from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America or South America, we can all still participate in the month by actively taking part in experiences that connect us to these countries and their diverse communities. Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with one another is an impactful way to learn about other people's cultures and customs while deepening respect for diversity and inclusion.
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1. Learn about food from around the world.
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Try out Latin American flavors in the kitchen and cook with the spices and ingredients that make these dishes special, such as cumin and paprika, corn, chili peppers, shredded beef and chicken, beans, tomatoes and more. Prepare one of these delicious Latin American favorites and bring it to Amplify ERG's (formerly BIPOC) National Hispanic Heritage Month in-office potluck on Wednesday, October 5!
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2. Try your hand at an international game.
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Travel to the beaches of Miami, FL, and plan a visit to Little Havana (also known as Domino Park) to watch locals play the popular Cuban game of dominoes.
If you're unable to make the trip (or out of PTO), the card game Lotería can be played right at home. Lotería is commonly known as Mexico's version of bingo. The game has a caller pull cards from a shuffled deck, and players must match the item called (such as el arbol – the tree, or el camaron – the shrimp) with what's on their game board. When they've got a row, the winner shouts "¡Buena!" to end the game.
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3. Listen to music of different cultures.
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Take the time to introduce yourself to the vibrancy of Hispanic music and dance styles. Give Amplify ERG's Hispanic Heritage Month playlist a listen here!
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4. Educate yourself on Hispanic American culture and community.
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Anyone can celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and show their appreciation for Hispanic and Latino Americans by reading books by authors of Hispanic or Latino origin, watching movies about Hispanic and Latino culture, or attending educational events (e.g., exhibitions at our local museum) that highlight the contributions Hispanic and Latino people have made to U.S. society or learning more about the Hispanic and Latino destinations represented right here at MMGY.
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