Hispanic Heritage Month Reminds Us to Vote and Here’s Why
With Hispanic Heritage Month approaching, it is important to remember why we celebrate in the first place. This annual month-long celebration that begins on September 15, 2023, and lasts until October 15, 2023, was created with the intention of recognizing and paying homage to the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
In 1968, this month was nothing more than a mere week created by President Lyndon B. Johnson to pay special tribute to Hispanics in light of these countries’ Independence Days. This finally changed in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan, who emphasized the importance of the family unit, claiming, “I fear that too often, in the mad rush of modern American life, some people have not learned the great lesson of our Hispanic heritage: the lesson of family and home and church and community.”
Since then, our nation has made an effort to recognize the independence days of several Latin American countries. September 15th marks the independence of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. The following day, Mexico celebrates its independence, Chile celebrates its Independence Day on September 18th, and Belize on the 21st. Dia de la Raza also occurs during this month on October 9th.These days are worthy of celebration and are held close to many American people’s hearts.
In 2022, President Biden stated, “Hispanic heritage holds an indelible place in the heart and soul of our Nation, and National Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that the American identity is a fabric of diverse traditions and stories woven together. Since the beginning, our country has drawn strength and insights from Hispanic writers, scientists, soldiers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor and government. Our culture has been enriched by the rhythms, art, literature, and creativity of Hispanic people. Our deepest values have been informed by the love of family and faith that is at the core of so many Hispanic communities. All of these contributions help us realize the promise of America for all Americans.”
According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau, there are roughly 63.7 million Hispanics in the United States today, constituting 19% of the nation’s population. Additionally, America has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, coming in second after Mexico. Even further, despite a 75% increase in Latinos holding office since 2001, they still comprise less than 2% of elected officials nationwide. It is also interesting to note that the highest increase of Latino politicians was in New York and California. However, most elected Latinos in the United States live in California and Texas. There is an apparent disparity between the percentage of Hispanic/Latino people living in the United States but next to no representation within our government. This group of people is well known for having diverse political stances and ideologies, and thus, we must focus on getting Latinos elected to office. We, as a democratic society, must elect politicians who represent us and understand our struggles, histories, and even triumphs.
During this month, we ask that you think about your neighbors, friends, family, classmates, and coworkers with roots tracing back to Latin and Spanish-speaking countries. There is a large array of stories to be heard. We mustn’t focus solely on musical contributions. The histories of these people are equally as essential, and so are their current lives in America. It is also crucial to understand that Latinx and Hispanic are different terms. A Hispanic person is someone who comes from a Spanish-speaking country, while Latinx is used to refer to someone from Latin America.
Challenge yourself this year. Engage in books, films, and documentaries, and go to a parade or a museum! Learn about those around you. Here at Rideshare2Vote, we will continue to work towards more representation for those in the Hispanic and Latinx communities. We must value these people and their lives so that their cultures are not forgotten and their contributions to modern-day America are not overlooked.
So get out to the polls! Let’s get our friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, peers, and the people you see walking down the street out to vote. You can book a free round-trip ride with us at https://booking.rides2vote.com/.
by Gabrielle Gonzales
In 1968, this month was nothing more than a mere week created by President Lyndon B. Johnson to pay special tribute to Hispanics in light of these countries’ Independence Days. This finally changed in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan, who emphasized the importance of the family unit, claiming, “I fear that too often, in the mad rush of modern American life, some people have not learned the great lesson of our Hispanic heritage: the lesson of family and home and church and community.”
Since then, our nation has made an effort to recognize the independence days of several Latin American countries. September 15th marks the independence of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. The following day, Mexico celebrates its independence, Chile celebrates its Independence Day on September 18th, and Belize on the 21st. Dia de la Raza also occurs during this month on October 9th.These days are worthy of celebration and are held close to many American people’s hearts.
In 2022, President Biden stated, “Hispanic heritage holds an indelible place in the heart and soul of our Nation, and National Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that the American identity is a fabric of diverse traditions and stories woven together. Since the beginning, our country has drawn strength and insights from Hispanic writers, scientists, soldiers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor and government. Our culture has been enriched by the rhythms, art, literature, and creativity of Hispanic people. Our deepest values have been informed by the love of family and faith that is at the core of so many Hispanic communities. All of these contributions help us realize the promise of America for all Americans.”
According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau, there are roughly 63.7 million Hispanics in the United States today, constituting 19% of the nation’s population. Additionally, America has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, coming in second after Mexico. Even further, despite a 75% increase in Latinos holding office since 2001, they still comprise less than 2% of elected officials nationwide. It is also interesting to note that the highest increase of Latino politicians was in New York and California. However, most elected Latinos in the United States live in California and Texas. There is an apparent disparity between the percentage of Hispanic/Latino people living in the United States but next to no representation within our government. This group of people is well known for having diverse political stances and ideologies, and thus, we must focus on getting Latinos elected to office. We, as a democratic society, must elect politicians who represent us and understand our struggles, histories, and even triumphs.
During this month, we ask that you think about your neighbors, friends, family, classmates, and coworkers with roots tracing back to Latin and Spanish-speaking countries. There is a large array of stories to be heard. We mustn’t focus solely on musical contributions. The histories of these people are equally as essential, and so are their current lives in America. It is also crucial to understand that Latinx and Hispanic are different terms. A Hispanic person is someone who comes from a Spanish-speaking country, while Latinx is used to refer to someone from Latin America.
Challenge yourself this year. Engage in books, films, and documentaries, and go to a parade or a museum! Learn about those around you. Here at Rideshare2Vote, we will continue to work towards more representation for those in the Hispanic and Latinx communities. We must value these people and their lives so that their cultures are not forgotten and their contributions to modern-day America are not overlooked.
So get out to the polls! Let’s get our friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, peers, and the people you see walking down the street out to vote. You can book a free round-trip ride with us at https://booking.rides2vote.com/.
by Gabrielle Gonzales
