We have all heard the saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”
Although its original namesake does not include Latinx, making a distinction between Hispanic and Latinx communities is important to recognize during National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month because they are not one in the same.
Hispanic refers to people who have ancestry in or are from a Spanish-speaking country, whereas Latinx refers to people who have ancestry in or are from a Latin American country.
Hispanic Heritage Month was first held in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In August 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to cover 30 days starting on September 15th and ending on October 15th.
While other cultural observance months start on the first of the month, there is a reason this one does not: the timing of Hispanic Heritage Month reflects the diversity within the U.S. Hispanic population.
September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. Additionally, many Latin and Spanish-speaking countries commemorate their indigenous people by celebrating Día de la Raza on October 12th, which also falls within these 30 days.
We encourage you to learn more and share the history of what our nation celebrates today as National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month including these 10 Inspiring Latinas who have made significant contributions to society!
A Playlist En Celebración of Hispanic Heritage Month
Through October 15
Seattle Symphony, 200 University St, Seattle, WA
Join the Seattle Symphony in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by offering thanks to Hispanic communities in Seattle—and around the world—for an expansive array of contributions to classical music that enrich our sonic landscape and infuse inspiration from a wealth of heritages and Indigenous traditions!
MEXAM Northwest Festival
Friday, September 8 – Friday, October 15
Various locations, Seattle, WA
MEXAM celebrates its 7th year in Seattle recognizing Mexican and Mexican-American Cultures. Enjoy family-friendly events including dance, poetry, and concerts at this collective endeavor to celebrate the profound relationship between Hispanic heritage and the U.S.
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month at the YMCA of Greater Seattle
Friday, September 15 – Sunday, October 15
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the communities, cultures, and contributions of so many people, and there’s no shortage of ways to do that in and around Seattle. Entertainment? Yes! And a great chance to broaden your understanding. In this list of family-friendly events, you’ll find opportunities to meet educators, filmmakers, and artists to learn directly from them!
¡VAMOS AL ACUARIO!
Domingo, 1 de octubre @9:30a – 5:00p (PT)
Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59
¡Únete a nosotros cuando le damos la bienvenida a los miembros de la comunidad hispana! Explora los hábitats del acuario y disfruta de una variedad de actividades temáticas, así como de charlas con interpretación en español. Horario completo por venir.
Cuarteto Latinoamericano
Thursday, October 6 at 7:30p (PT)
Meany Center for the Performing Arts, Seattle, WA
In Mexico: A Musical Journey, the group explores connections in Mexican visual art, history, and culture through the music of six iconic composers, alongside a narrated multimedia presentation of paintings ranging from Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to today!
Seattle Latino Film Festival
Saturday, October 7 – Saturday, October 14
Various locations, Seattle, WA
Seattle Latino Film Festival presents its 15th Annual Edition bringing audiences and filmmakers together for an educational experience and to support the magic of film-making as part of Hispanic and Romance Language Cinema globally!
Igniting Change, Rising Together: Nurturing Intersectional Belonging, Inclusion, and Healing For A Better World
Tuesday, October 10
(IN-PERSON) – Gates Foundation Discovery Center @5:30p (PT), 440 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA
(VIRTUAL) – Zoom @6:00p (PT)
This event is FREE & welcomes attendees of all-ages! Hear the captivating story of Jesse Leon, the son of indigenous working-class Mexican immigrants whose journey took him from the harsh realities of child sex trafficking, street life, and substance abuse to reclaiming his life and eventually graduating from Harvard. ASL & captioning services will be provided. Jesse will also sign copies of his book. This program is presented in partnership with the Gates Foundation employee resource group Latinos in Philanthropy and to celebrate both Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month and World Mental Health Day. Register today >> Note: Minors (under 18 years old) must have their parent/legal guardian register on behalf of them.
18th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration!
Saturday, November 4 at 11:00a – 5:00p (PT)
El Centro de la Raza’s Centilia Cultural Center, Seattle, WA
Using Cultural Elements and Brief Interventions to Reduce Substance Use with Hispanic and Latinx Communities
Friday, October 13 at 7:00a – 10:00a (PT)
(VIRTUAL) Hosted by Northeast & Caribbean Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network
Prevention with Latinx communities includes a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive framework conducive to screening and early intervention. This Webinar will inform on how taking a few minutes to conduct a person-centered brief intervention can help motivate reduction of substance use with Hispanic, Latino and Latinx communities. The approach further identifies those with high potential for a substance use disorder and opportunities for accessing culturally relevant resources. Register today >>
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Shines Light on Reducing Mental Health and Suicide Stigma in Latinx and Hispanic Communities
Better Health Through Better Understanding for Hispanics/Latinos: Health Literacy, Barriers to Healthcare, and Improving Language Access and Health Outcomes 2023 Reading List
Beyond Gender: Indigenous Perspectives, Muxe – A limited series on some of the world’s third gender Indigenous people
For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez
THE HUDDLE, Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Diversity and National Latino Physician Day
Hispanic Americans in Congress
History, Art & Archives – United States House of Representatives
Key facts about U.S. Latinos for National Hispanic Heritage Month
Latinx/Hispanic Stats in Washington State
Mental Health and Latino Men: Breaking the Barriers of Stigma
Nuestra América: Celebrating Influential Latinos in American History
Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of “Latino” by Héctor Tobar
Parents magazine: How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With Kids—No Matter Where Your Family’s From
PEDIATRICS, State-Level Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and Policies and Health Risks in US Latino Children
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The Creation and Evolution of the National Hispanic Heritage Celebration
UW Presidential Blog, Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month’s themes of prosperity, power and progress
We Had Our Reasons by Ricardo Ruiz
Mental Health America (MHA) – Centro de Recursos de Salud Mental en Español
Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Minority Health Policy at Harvard University (Apply by December 1, 2022)
Latinx/Hispanic in Washington State Statistics
Support a local Latin-owned Small Business in your community
National Museum of the American Latino
Share OMH’s Hispanic/Latino Population Profile to spread awareness about the unique health concerns impacting Hispanic/Latino Americans
PBS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with books, recipes, music, and other resources for kids, families, and educators
Through community partnerships and capacity building, the UW Latino Center for Health provides leadership through innovative research that promotes culturally responsive evidence-based practices, informs health policy, and advances the health and well-being of our growing Latinx community
UW Medicine’s SOM Latinx Health Pathway
Visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s website to learn more about the heritage of this diverse community
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) Resources and data focused on advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Hispanic/Latino Americans
Visit the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics website to learn how the federal government is advancing educational equity and economic opportunity for Hispanic/Latino students, families, and communities
Burke Museum Arts & Culture Collections: Mexico, Central and South America
National Park Service (NPS) recognizes American Latino Heritage and celebrates its 107th birthday with the Mi Parque, Mi Historia campaign inviting Hispanic/Latino communities, families, and individuals nationwide to share their personal connection to the parks
A Conversation With Latinos on Race | Op-Docs
Latino/a, Latinx or Latine? Conversation around Hispanic identity is changing
Sources: Linkedin, UW Medicine (huddle.uwmedicine.org) and the Latino Center for Health (latinocenterforhealth.org), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (minorityhealth.hhs.gov)