In June of 1968, California Congressman George E. Brown wanted to recognize the contributions hispanics have made to American culture. Hispanics have heavily influenced American history and George E. Brown wanted that to be known. By September of that same year, congress officially authorized Hispanic Heritage Week. National Hispanic Heritage Week was to start on September 15th and 16th and go on for the rest of the week. You may be asking yourself, “Isn’t it Hispanic Heritage Month, not week?” well over time that has changed. In 1987 Esteban E. Torres wanted to expand on Hispanic Heritage Week. He wanted the nation to actually have time to celebrate and commemorate Hispanic Americans and all they have done for America. So, instead of stuffing all of this into one week he suggested we make it a month. After another senator submitted a similar bill to congress, it passed congress. Then on September 14,1989 president George H.W Bush declared September 15 to October 15 National Hispanic Heritage Month, crediting the independence days of various Latina America.
Hispanic Heritage Month is one that works to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans from all over Latin America. This story expresses the significance the month holds in the HMHS community and how some are choosing to celebrate.