National Hispanic Heritage Month — Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins each year on Sept. 15, celebrates U.S. Latinos, their culture and their history. Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21.
This month, we’ll highlight our diverse Hispanic/Latinx community; and as our state grows more diverse, we invite you to take time to learn from each other’s cultures, values, and traditions.

Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America

Hispanics in America are making significant progress and are driving the country's prosperity forward. Our community is thriving, quickly becoming a powerful force in the United States. The data is precise: Hispanics are crucial to America's economic success. Our businesses are growing unprecedentedly, and our workforce is expanding rapidly. From small startups to Fortune 500 companies, Hispanic-owned businesses are making a significant contribution to the US economic prosperity, and we are continuously driving innovation and economic growth. But our contributions are not just limited to the economic sphere. As Hispanics, we also gain power and influence in politics and society. Our population growth and increasing political representation pave the way for the rise and recognition of Hispanics as undeniable positive contributors to the country, Hispanic Stars.

Power, too, is becoming increasingly concentrated in our hands. As we continue to succeed economically and politically, we gain control, authority, and influence over others. We are becoming a controlling group, shaping the direction of our country and making our voices heard.

And finally, looking at our progress, from education to politics, Latinos are advancing positively and driving American progress. Progress is inherent to Hispanics because what truly unifies us is our desire to progress, to move forward. And that is an excellent thing for all because Hispanic progress is American progress.

These three themes - prosperity, power, and progress - are all interconnected. Our economic success leads to more power and influence, which, in turn, drives further progress for our community. It's a cycle propelling us forward, an exciting time to be a Hispanic in America, and a critical moment to mobilize and equip Corporate America to engage genuinely with Hispanics as employees, suppliers, consumers, and the community.

Hispanics are stars, truly driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.

Past HHM Archive

The Board of County Commissioners of Thurston County proclaimed September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in Thurston County! Members of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs were present to receive the proclamation.

The board urges everyone to join in celebrating the great contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This is a time to honor the ways Hispanics and Latinos contribute to our common goals, celebrate their diverse cultures, and to work towards a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous society for all! You can watch the presentation and reading of the proclamation here: https://lnkd.in/g3wbJCY8