Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

History about Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and the length of it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period (September 15 - October 15). It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988 on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

"September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days  during the month of September

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate the group's heritage and culture. Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

Hispanic Population in Numbers

Population

53 million

The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2012, making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or racial minority. Hispanics constituted 17 percent of the nation's total population.
Source: 2012 Population Estimate

Education

63.2%
The percentage of Hispanics 25 and older that had at least a high school education in 2011.
Source: American Community Survey: 2011 Table S0201 (crossed with Hispanic origin)

13.2%
The percentage of the Hispanic population 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher in 2011.
Source: American Community Survey: 2011 Table S0201 (crossed with Hispanic origin)

3.7 million
The number of Hispanics 25 and older who had at least a bachelor's degree in 2011.
Source: American Community Survey: 2011 Table S0201 (crossed with Hispanic origin)

1.2 million
Number of Hispanics 25 and older with advanced degrees in 2011 (e.g., master's, professional, doctorate).
Source: American Community Survey: 2011 Table S0201 (crossed with Hispanic origin)

14.5%
Percentage of students (both undergraduate and graduate students) enrolled in college in 2011 who were Hispanic.
Source: School Enrollment Data Current Population Survey: October 2011, Table 1

22.5%
Percentage of elementary and high school students that were Hispanic in 2011.
Source: School Enrollment Data Current Population Survey: October 2011, Table 1

Foreign-Born

36.2%
Percent of the Hispanic population that was foreign-born in 2011.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 American Community Survey, Table: S0201

Take Time and find out about the different Celebrations that will take place in your area and JOIN THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION