Rep. George E. Brown of California introduced Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, under President Johnson. Twenty years later, the national celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 was established under President Reagan. It was introduced by 1987, Rep. Esteban Torres, also of California. The celebration honors the heritage of all Spanish-speaking people and descendants of Spanish-speaking people in the United States, which includes Puerto Ricans.
In 1998. New York Mayor Rudy Guliani declared November Puerto Rican Heritage month, but only in New York. June is Caribbean Heritage Month. But Hispanic Heritage Month is also a great time to celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage.
The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month in 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This is a perfect theme for Puerto Rico, which is on the verge of an enormous change, ready to give up the current colonial relationship with the United States.
The point of heritage months
The United States has a diverse culture, made up of people who can trace their roots to many parts of the world. It would be excellent if American history classes, art museums, and public discussions of American culture always remembered and honored the contributions of all citizens. Until we reach that point, Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an annual opportunity to educate our fellow Americans about our culture and heritage.
Including Puerto Rico
When we first began tracking Hispanic Heritage Month, we found that most resources did not include Puerto Rico. Suggestions for classroom activities, for example, nearly always focused on Mexico. About 19% of the people in the United States identify as Hispanic, and the largest group within that population trace their roots to Mexico. Puerto Ricans are the second largest group. It is clearly wrong to ignore Puerto Rico.
We’re pleased to say that in 2024 most online resources for Hispanic Heritage Month do include Puerto Rico. We see craft lessons based on Taino art, lessons on baseball greats like Roberto Clemente, collaborations with the Inter Americana University of Puerto Rico, and public library programs on Bomba music and dance.
At least half of the teacher resource collections we found include at least some mention of Puerto Rico, and that is a significant improvement over past years.
Increasing awareness
Members of Congress are busy people. They care most about what the people they represent — the people who vote for them — care about. Puerto Rica has no voting members in Congress. No Senators at all, and just one hardworking representative in the House, who cannot vote on laws that affect Puerto Rico. The only way for Puerto Rico to get to the top of their priority list is for their voters to care about Puerto Rico.
In order to care about justice and equality for Puerto Rico, our fellow Americans have to know about Puerto Rico.
Before the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017, most Americans didn’t even know that Puerto Ricans were U.S. citizens. Within a year, most people had learned this simple fact. That’s a start.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to open our fellow citizens’ eyes about Puerto Rico, but we have those opportunities every day. We must seize them whenever they arise. When you talk about the elections coming up this year, ask whether candidates support Puerto Rico statehood. When you find yourself in conversations about the economy, point out the economic injustices faced by U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico. Share food, music, and style with friends and social media connections. Every little bit helps move us closer to our goal.
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