Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, a vibrant and meaningful tribute to the remarkable contributions, history, and cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. This celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week, established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize the impact and influence of Hispanic-Latinx communities across the nation. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that expanded the celebration to a full month, reflecting the growing recognition of Hispanic-Latinx Americans’ vital role in shaping American society. Today, Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month serves as an opportunity for everyone to come together, learn, celebrate, and foster greater understanding.
The timing of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month is especially meaningful. September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—each of which declared independence from Spain in 1821. This date was chosen to honor the shared history and aspirations of these nations. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21, further enriching the month with stories of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. These intertwined histories help us appreciate the depth and diversity of Hispanic-Latinx heritage in the Americas.
Learn More About Hispanic-Latinx History
To enhance your understanding of Hispanic-Latinx history and contributions, we invite you to explore some of the following informative resources:
- Library of Congress – National Hispanic Heritage Month
- National Archives – Hispanic Heritage Month
- National Park Service – Hispanic Heritage Month
- Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of the American Latino
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation
- Alaska Air Group – Latin Culture Resource Group (LCRG) (AAG sign-on required)
Celebrate with a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin
We invite you to join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin! In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution honoring Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month and introduced a commemorative AFA pin for Members. Wearing this pin is a visible way to express pride, solidarity, and support throughout the month.
If you’re interested in learning more about the significance of the pin, reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. Want to get your hands on this unique pin? Keep an eye out for availability updates from your Local Council or connect with your LEC Officers to ensure you don’t miss out.
Questions?
If you have any questions or are looking for more information, your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is here to assist you.
