The cultural significance of September 15th through October 15th.

Hispanic Heritage Month shines light on the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans in the United States. Every year, people across America celebrate this month from September 15th to October 15th and learn more about the Hispanic community.

Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as a celebration that occurred for only one week out of every year. During his time as a president, Lyndon B. Johnson this week, and it was then lengthened under the presidency of Ronald Reagan in 1988. Many Latin countries hold their Independence Days either on or around September 15th, which is why Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from the middle of September to the middle of October, instead of starting at the beginning like most months of recognition. 

There are many well-known and important people in America that come from Hispanic origin. Some of our favorite actors, activists, artists, and athletes are Hispanic Americans. Their art, ideas, and contributions have heavily influenced the culture in the United States. Hispanic Heritage Month highlights these contributions and accomplishments, which is something that Barstow also does well. 

Mr. Jones, Barstow’s middle and upper school Spanish teacher, shares his thoughts and feelings towards Hispanic Heritage Month, “Anytime we can uplift a marginalized community, I’m here for it.” He has expressed nothing but positive feelings and ideas towards this month and is excited to share his ways of celebrating in the Barstow community. 

Mr. Jones loves to introduce Hispanic Heritage Month at school. Every year, he gives lessons and leads discussions to give students the information on what this month means. These lessons lead to valuable class discussions where students are able to expand their knowledge. 

This year, Mr. Jones decided on a new project for his students where they research someone of Hispanic heritage and make a banner sharing their accomplishments and background. Students fill the banner with color, quotes, and a simple life timeline of their biggest achievements. These banners have more well-known people like popular athletes and actors, but they also include people that may be less known to most others. An interesting example being Pam Muñoz Ryan, the author of Esperanza Rising, and such an inspirational figure.

Throughout the month of October, these banners will be strung up throughout the upper school language hallway as a display for further knowledge about people of Hispanic culture, “As people are walking down, they can stop, they can read a little bit of information, and they can learn about an important Hispanic person.” Be sure to stop in the language hallway to read about someone new and reflect on how they have contributed to the things that you love. 

The Spanish teachers at Barstow do a lot to contribute to the student’s understanding of Hispanic Heritage Month and the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans. Culture in the United States has been heavily influenced by Hispanic culture, and by these lessons and discussions led in class, Barstow students are able to learn more about this month and celebration.