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An Hispanic man and woman dancing together outside while wearing ornate formalwear. Text on the image says: Hispanic Latin(x/e) Heritage Month Curated Resource Guide

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. Started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to a 30-day period 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).

To recognize and celebrate this month, CEHHS created a curated list of resources centering Hispanic Latin(x/e) voices and stories. 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.

2022 Highlighted Resources

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 descended from a Spanish-speaking population or speaks Spanish. This identity centers the language identity rather than geographical location.

Latin(o/a) instead refers to geographical culture, describing individuals who are 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 identifies 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.

Casa de los espíritus by Isabel Allende

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Curated September 2021 by Miranda N. Rutan, Doctoral Student, CEHHS DEI, UT Knoxville | Updated September 2023 by Miranda N. Rutan, Doctoral Student, CEHHS DEI, UT Knoxville

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