Every year from September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the achievements, histories, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic/Latino/Latinx Americans.
This community’s heritage is rooted in 20 Latin American countries and territories, including Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and others.
The national observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988.
President Biden has designated September 15 through October 15 as “National Hispanic Heritage Month” to recognize the community’s accomplishments.
The White House has highlighted the administration’s efforts in creating jobs, reducing unemployment, supporting Latino entrepreneurs, investing in Hispanic-serving colleges and universities, and addressing student debt.
The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers announced the theme for the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month National Poster as “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”.
The winning theme was submitted by Mariana I. Purcell Rivera, a Puerto Rican artist and architecture student. The National Council advocates for Hispanic participation and representation in the federal government.
“This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change,” reflects the trailblazing spirit of so many Hispanic and Latino leaders who have opened doors for future generations,” wrote Rosie Rios, chairperson of America250, the U.S. Semi quincentennial Commission established in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In her message on the America250 website, Rios mentioned figures like Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, whose advocacy for farmworkers’ rights has inspired movements for social justice; Celia Cruz, whose voice carried the vibrant rhythms of salsa across the globe, and Gloria Estefan, also an America250 Ambassador, whose music has inspired millions.
Rios appeared on the cover of Hispanic Engineer magazine while serving as the 43rd Treasurer of the United States (2009–2016). More recently, she served on the Treasury Transition Team on behalf of President Biden.
She is a graduate of Harvard University and was selected as the first Latina in Harvard’s history to have a portrait commissioned in her honor.
Rios is the founding CEO of an initiative that facilitates the physical recognition of historical American women in classrooms and public spaces across the country.
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