Join HSPRD in celebrating Latine Heritage Month, an annual commemoration of the history, culture, and achievements of people of Latine descent. HSPRD celebrates the diversity of the Latine community, with roots ranging from Latin America to the Caribbean, and other Spanish colonies, and all that Latine individuals and advocates have done to advance this country, even long before it was called the United States. Read more about term Latine here.
While federal recognition of the celebration dates back to 1968, it began as Hispanic Heritage Week and expanded to a month-long celebration only in 1988. The month encompasses a number of Independence Days that celebrate independence from colonial Spanish rule, including September 15 for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; September 16 for Mexico; September 18 for Chile; and September 21 for Belize.
Nearly one-third of Chicago’s population is of Latine descent and local celebrations include independence day parades, festivals, such as the Chicago Latine Poetry Festival, and art exhibits like the Dia De Muertos exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. This year’s exhibition is dedicated to Ray Patlán, a Chicago muralist and painter who passed away earlier this year. More on Patlán’s indelible legacy and trailblazing in Chicago arts can be found in this Block Club Chicago article here.
HSPRD has been proud to work with and support critical organizations like the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF), the Bracero Justice Project, Centro Romero , and Arise Chicago, among others, fighting to ensure that the contributions and rights of Latine individuals are recognized, valued, and protected.
