Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month was first introduced by California Congressman George E. Brown in 1968? Originally recognized as a commemorative week, U.S. Representative Esteban E. Torres, also from California, proposed to expand the national observance to one month.

In 1989, then-President George W. Bush declared September 15 – October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Check out these 10 facts about National Hispanic Heritage Month:

1. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first Hispanic Heritage Week after Congress passed Public Law 90-48.
2. National Hispanic Heritage Month begins in the middle of September because many Latin American countries observe their Independence Day on September 15.
3. According to the U.S. Census, 1 in 5 people in the United States identify as Hispanic/Latino (or 6 million people).
4. Hispanics make up the largest minority group in the United States.
5. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories and cultures of American citizens whose ancestors came from Central and South America, Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean.
6. 13 states have a population of at least one million Hispanic residents.
7. Ellen Ochoa became the first Latina astronaut in space in 1991. Two years later, she brought her flute to play on the Space Shuttle Discovery.
8. Roberto Clemente was the first Hispanic American baseball player to win a World Series and the first Latino elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
9. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated across the country through various celebrations including, parades, art shows, festivals, and community gatherings.
10. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States (Second to the English language).

How You Can Celebrate: 

1. Read books written by Hispanic/Latino authors. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Junot Diaz, and Isabelle Allende are three of the most celebrated Hispanic/Latino writers.
2. Invite friends and family over and get the popcorn ready for a movie night featuring flicks by Hispanic/Latino directors including Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón.
3. Attend a cultural parade or celebration in your region.

For more information on National Hispanic History Month, please visit https://www.hispanicmonth.net/