Hispanic Heritage Month has started as of September 15; what once began as a small, week-long celebration in 1968 is now a month-long period to honor the Latino community all across the United States. Hispanic Heritage Month continues until October 15, and the month-long period includes many of the Independence Day celebrations for separate countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. According to the Pew Research Center, the Hispanic community makes up about 19% of the U.S. population. And per Niche, they make up 11.1% of the AHS student body. During this month, homage is paid to the many historical contributions, cultural foods, and diverse heritage of Hispanics.
This month is important to lots of teachers and students at AHS. Decorated rooms, posters around campus, and fundraisers that give back to the Latino community are all signs that mark this time at AHS every year—and this year is no different. Many Spanish teachers have begun putting up decorations in their rooms to honor their culture and traditions.
“Hispanic representation brings another perspective, helps people understand different viewpoints, and encourages people to find common ground,” Mrs. Lopez, a Spanish teacher at AHS, reflected. She, like many others, celebrates this month by making traditional food, getting closer with her religion by visiting her place of worship more often, and partaking in games and family events. During her interview, Mrs. Lopez shared that she feels that she brings certain aspects of her Hispanic roots into her classroom.
“I bring pride in our culture, such as our food and music, and an emphasis on caring about others and sharing, like sharing snacks with my students,” she said. Mrs. Lopez also commented that many Latinos are proud of their culture, and she believes that her ethnicity naturally comes out in her teaching, especially when she is speaking Spanish.
Students doing Spanish 2 work during Hispanic Heritage Month in Mrs. Lopez’s classroom (Photo Credit: Keerthi Vasudevan (9)).
Aside from a teacher perspective, many students believe that Hispanic Heritage month is different for younger Latinos. Some people’s perspectives on their Latin roots have changed over the years. “I used to think all of us were Mexican,” Sofia Narayan (9) commented. “Now I know that we are diverse, and there are a lot of countries and ways to speak Spanish.”
A large number of students grow up feeling ashamed of their traditions. This month is a time that honors the many important contributions of Hispanics, which empowers young teens everywhere to better understand and take pride in their roots. “Hispanic Heritage Month is important so people can better understand my culture and also expand their knowledge,” Narayan added. She mentioned that there are many negative stereotypes surrounding the Latino community, and she hopes people will make an effort to better understand them during this month.
Like her, many others partake in their own small family celebrations. Many try to get closer to their religion by praying more often with their family, reading their holy texts, and giving back to their community. The Hispanic community has made a lasting impact on AHS, and it is a period that many on campus look forward to each year.
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