It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! This annual celebration of the cultures and contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, runs from September 15 through October 15.
Here are 5 things to know:
September 15 is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Also celebrating their independence during Hispanic Heritage Month are Mexico (September 16) and Chile (September 18).
Hispanic people are the largest minority in the United States. There are an estimated 63.7 million Hispanic individuals residing in the United States, or 19.1% of the population. By the year 2060, it’s projected that 28.6% of the population will be Hispanic.
“Hispanic” and “Latino” don’t necessarily mean the same thing. In general, “Hispanic” refers to people descended from Spanish-speaking populations while “Latino” and the more recent variation Latinx refer to those descended from Latin America.2 The U.S. Census Bureau uses the terms interchangeably to refer to “a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race”.3
There is a vast wealth gap between Hispanic and White households in the United States. On average, a Hispanic household has a median net worth of $38,875 compared with $215,230 for a White household.4 And the concentration of poverty among Spanish-speaking residents varies widely by geography—reaching 26.4% in North Carolina.7
The economic future for Hispanic people in the United States is looking brighter. Nationally, the poverty rate for Hispanic people has reached a historic low of 14.4%. While still higher than the overall national average of 11.5%, the downward trend in poverty, increased income, entrepreneurship, and homeownership point to great potential for this diverse group of Americans.5
BONUS: Five Famous Firsts by Hispanic Americans6 :
1. Member of U.S. Congress: Joseph Marion Hernandez, 1822.
2. Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee: Roberto Clemente, 1973.
3. Astronaut: Franklin Chang-Diaz, 1986.
4. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee: Carlos Santana, 1998.
5. U.S. Supreme Court Justice: Sonia Sotomayor, 2009.
Local Perspective
In her role with Civic Canvas, Crisis Assistance Ministry Board Member and proud Latina leader Gina Esquivel will offer a virtual look at The State of Latinos in Mecklenburg County on October 4. The session will consider the current situation, challenges, and opportunities for the Latino community in Mecklenburg County. This workshop is designed for community leaders, policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and anyone interested in advancing equity and opportunity for Latinos in Mecklenburg County.
Beyond Statistics and a Call for Justice
As we celebrate the rich culture and significant contributions of Latinx people, it’s also important to acknowledge their ongoing challenges. Access to the ballot box continues to be an obstacle. As one of the fastest-growing voting populations in the United States, Latinx individuals are still on the receiving end of many voter suppression laws in the Deep South.
The Southern Poverty Law Center is committed to fighting these attacks. The SPLC’s campaign, The South’s Got Now | Decidimos, seeks to build power among young voters of color by registering voters, encouraging civic participation, and providing resources for informed decision-making.
The SPLC, alongside the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, is lending support to grassroots initiatives that are enhancing civic participation among Latinx communities in the lead-up to the highly significant 2024 presidential election. Together, we all can strengthen democracy and champion the inalienable rights.
1 Pew Research Center: Who is Hispanic?
2 United States Census Bureau: Hispanic or Latino Origin
3 Prosperity Now: Median Household Net Worth
4 Hispanic Wealth Project: 2022 State of Hispanic Wealth Report
5 Statistica: Poverty Rate Hispanic Families US
6 Infoplease: Famous Firsts by Hispanic Americans
7 World Population Review: North Carolina 2024