Every year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month — a time to reflect on the histories, cultures, and contributions of our Latinx communities. The celebration began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later expanded to a full month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. The unique timing reflects the independence anniversaries of several Central American countries. September 15 marks the day Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence. Mexico celebrates September 16th as their independence day, September 18th is Chile’s and September 21st is independence day for Belize. As of July 1, 2023, the United States Census Bureau counted 65.2 million people (or 19.5% of the total population) of Hispanic descent living in the United States making it the nation’s largest ethnic minority group¹.

ACC Library Services is proud to share a small selection of what we have to offer that helps celebrate and honor our wonderful Latinx students and communities.  It's during this time we would like to uplift diverse voices, celebrate traditions, and encourage unity by acknowledging the strength found in cultural pride and shared history. 

¹ United States Census Bureau. "Hispanic Heritage Month: 2024." Newsroom: Facts for Features, 15 Aug. 2024, https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2024/hispanic-heritage-month.html.