NYSID Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 and honors the immeasurable contributions of more than 62 million Hispanic Americans, Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx-identifying people to our society. 

Understanding the Terminology 

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it is important to acknowledge two of the most used terms to describe Americans with Latin American and Caribbean ancestry: Hispanic and Latino. We use these terms interchangeably, with the understanding that many people use and understand these terms differently. 

  • Hispanic: This term is/can signal a connection to Spain or the Spanish language. 

  • Latino: This term refers is/can be used to describe various folx (the gender-neutral term now frequently used for people) of the United States with cultural connections and ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean. The term also creates and acknowledges Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other heritages on equal terms with that of European ancestry.  

  • Latinx: This term originated in the early 2000s as part of a worldwide initiative to integrate gender-neutral nouns and pronouns into languages that have historically relied on male or female forms. Latinx is frequently used as an inclusive term for gender and LGBTQIA+ individuals, highlighting an ongoing dialogue about gender identity in the United States. 

The History and Significance of Hispanic Heritage Month 

Hispanic communities currently represent the most significant minority in the United States. In addition, this month and beyond, we intentionally take time to recognize the impact and lasting impressions Hispanic Americans have made on our government, culture, and the American Narrative. 

The first iteration of Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson. However, 20 years later, President Reagan extended the week-long celebration to a month in 1988. The extended month of celebration called for more time and attention to properly recognize all the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made, as well as the very rich Hispanic culture that predates Spain’s colonization that continue to shape our country since the Revolutionary War. 

The beginning and ending days of Hispanic Heritage Month are significant because September 15 is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, other countries, including Mexico and Chile, celebrate their independence days on September 16, while Día de la Raza (also known as Columbus Day) falls on October 12. 

A Call to Continued Recognition 

Hispanic Heritage Month gives us another chance to highlight and deliberately recognize a rich culture, a robust, resilient history, and the journeys and contributions of Hispanic Americans. On behalf of the New York School of Interior Design, we encourage all our campus members to go beyond October 15 in recognizing Hispanic heritage. 

Olivia Baldacci