 Kidsville Connections
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration (September 15 to October 15). During this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. 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. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18.
Some people of Hispanic origin refer to themselves as something other than Hispanic. For instance, people from Mexico, South America and Central America refer to themselves as Latino (or Latina for women).
There are many Hispanic-Americans who contributed to American culture. Among them are astronaut Ellen Ochoa (first Hispanic astronaut), Dr. Antonio Novello (first female Surgeon General of the U.S.) and Hall of Fame baseball player Roberto Clemente... to name just a few!
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