National Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
Hispanic history is American history. Throughout the years, there have been many notable figures of Spanish-speaking populations and Latin America that have influenced and made strides in education, entertainment, sports, politics, and much more. That’s why from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States.
While the nation has dedicated a month to shine a spotlight on these historical people, their accomplishments and significance should be celebrated every day. They are still making history.
This year, Media Cause wants to continue showing our support for the Hispanic community and thank them for their contributions that have helped shaped the US.
Resources for Learning:
- National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Smithsonian Latino Center: Heritage Month Resources
- How the Chicano Movement Championed Mexican American Identity and Fought for Change
- Yes, We’re Calling It Hispanic Heritage Month And We Know It Makes Some Of You Cringe (NPR)
- Hispanic Heritage Month (National Park Service)
Notable Figures:
- Rita Moreno – First Hispanic American woman to win Best Supporting Actress Oscar
- Cesar Chavez – Prominent civil rights activist, labor organizer, and union leader
- Lauro Cavazos – First Hispanic person to hold a US cabinet position
- Sonia Sotomayor – First Latina Justice on the Supreme Court
- Ellen Ochoa – First Hispanic female astronaut
- Jos Ferrer – First Hispanic male to win Best Oscar
- Roberto Clemente – First Hispanic baseball player inducted into the Hall of Fame
- Sylvia Mendez – Civil rights activist who played an important role in the Mendez v. Westminster case
- Evelyn Cisneros – First Latina prima ballerina
- Desi Arnaz – Cuban actor and musician famous for appearing on “I Love Lucy” and marriage to Lucille Ball
- Antonia Novello – First Latina Surgeon General
- Jean-Michel Basquiat – Renowned artist of Neo-expressionism
- Selena Quintanilla – Pop superstar of Mexican Tejano music
- Oscar de la Renta – Famous fashion designer
- Joseph A. Unanue – Former president and founder of Goya Foods
Get Involved! Who to support:
- Latin American Association (Atlanta Outreach Center)
- Caminar Latino
- Georgia Latino Alliance
- Hispanic Alliance for Career Advancement
- LaAmista, Inc.
- Council for Latino Workplace Equity
- Latino Community Fund Georgia
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- National Hispanic Institute
- Committee for Hispanic Families and Children
- Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
[Photo Credit: The “Ladies of Guadalupe” mural, installed Saturday by photographer Lindsey Ross.]