The days between September 15th to October 15th marks Hispanic Heritage Month in the US, a time of reflection on the struggles and accomplishments of the LatinX Community. September 15 was chosen as the start of the commemoration because it marks the independence of several Central American countries from Spain: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18, and Belize on Sept. 21.

California Congressman George E. Brown first suggested a week-long celebration of the LatinX community, which was then formally recognized by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, at a time where the civil rights movements highlighted the contributions of marginalized communities. Feeling that the LatinX community deserved more than a week, in 1988, a bill in Congress was signed into law, which turned the event into a month-long celebration. In 1989, President H.W. Bush declared this month as National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

As part of honoring the LatinX community, it is important to understand and properly usethe terms that identify the members of the community. LatinX individuals can be of any race or color. Those who identify as Afro-LatinX possess African and Latin American ancestries. The Chicanos are Americans of Mexican origin. Hispanics are individuals with origins in Spain and/or Spanish-speaking countries, most likely from Latin America. LatinX are individuals of Latin American origin or descent and Spanish are those who come from Spain. 

The United States has a large LatinX population. In 2021, 62.5 million inhabitants identified as LatinX. Of these, 28 million identified as multiracial, and 60% were of Mexican origin. LatinX also form the largest racial and ethnic groups in California and Texas. 

The Hispanic/LatinX Student Association suggests honoring this month by trying a new Latin dish, reading the biography of a famous Latino/a/x, or listening to Latin American or Spanish music. HLSA continues their tradition of celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting their second annual bake sale to raise funds for scholarships for Mayan students at the University of the Valley in Guatemala.