Hispanic Latin(x/e) Heritage Month

Hispanic Latin(x/e) Heritage Month (HLHM), also known as National Hispanic Heritage Month, is observed from September 15 through October 15 each year. This month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with ties to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central/South America. It started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, and President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to 30 days in 1988.

Significantly, some Independence Day celebrations fall within this 30-day window: Costa Rica (September 15); El Salvador (September 15); Guatemala (September 15); Honduras (September 15); Nicaragua (September 15); Mexico (September 16); and Chile (September 18).

CEHHS created a curated list of resources centering Hispanic Latin(x/e) voices and stories to recognize and celebrate this month. We organized these resources into several categories to focus on the unique experiences of the broad community. These resources are available through the UT Library and online.

2024 Resource Update – Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together

The 2024 Hispanic Latin(x/e) Heritage Month theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” celebrates the visionary leaders within the Hispanic community who have sparked transformative change across diverse fields. This theme pays tribute to individuals and groups whose bold actions have driven progress and fostered inclusivity, building a more equitable society. It highlights the collective strength and unity essential to shaping a brighter future, while honoring the innovation, leadership, and collaborative spirit that continue to propel the Hispanic Latin(x/e) community forward.

Learn More

• Antonia Hernández – Finding systemic solutions to LA County’s biggest issues | Podcast Episode
• Border-Crosser with a Lamborghini Dream by Juan Felipe Herrera | Poetry
• Dolores Huerta – Activist & Co-Founder of United Farm Workers | Video
• Roberto Clemente | Documentary
• Severo Ochoa, MD – Unraveling RNA | Biographical Article

Hispanic, Latin(o/a), or Latin(x/e)?

Hispanic, Latin(o/a), and Latin(x/e) all refer to the ethnicity and culture of people celebrated during HLHM. Each holds a distinct significance and unique meaning.

Hispanic typically refers to a person who is descended from a Spanish-speaking population or speaks Spanish. This identity centers on the language identity rather than geographical location.

Latin(o/a) refers to geographical culture, describing individuals from or descended from people living in Latin America.

Latin(x/e) became an alternative form of Latin(o/a) to be more inclusive and gender-neutral. While Latinx became popular in the 2010s, Latine aligns better with the grammatical format of Spanish, and many Spanish speakers use this term. Individuals can identify as either, neither, or all of these identities. For example, Chicano (descendants of people from Mexico) could identify with all terms or none based on their cultural experience. Additionally, these terms do not assume race, as these ethnic identities are inclusive of various racial groups such as Afro-Latines.

Hispanic Latin(x/e) Voices

The below resources highlight some of the voices in the Hispanic Latin(x/e) community through different media formats.

Curated September 2021 by Miranda N. Rutan, Doctoral Student, CEHHS A&E, UT Knoxville | Updated September 2024 by Miranda N. Rutan, Doctoral Candidate, CEHHS A&E, UT Knoxville