Human Rights Committee
- September 15 marks the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. This tradition dates back to 1968 when legislation was signed into law first recognizing Hispanic Heritage Week.
- Read more about Hispanic Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, and learn about events you can participate in using the resource links below.
- Join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic Heritage Month AFA Pin. Check with your Local Council if you need a pin.
September 15 marks the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. The celebration, also called National Hispanic Heritage Month, began as Hispanic Heritage Week when it was established by legislation signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. In 1988, the single-week event was expanded to a month-long period to be celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15.
September 15 is significant as it marks the anniversary of the independence of the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico also celebrates independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21.
Learn More About Hispanic History
You can learn more about the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.
- 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
- Alaska Air Group – Latin Culture Resource Group (LCRG) (AAG sign-on required)
Celebrate with a Hispanic Heritage Month AFA Pin
In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution recognizing Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month. The resolution established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month.
For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee. Also, be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine pin availability.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact your Local Human Rights Committee.
