Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Together
This year, Think Together joins communities across the nation in celebrating the theme “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” for Hispanic Heritage Month, which is selected every year by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM). For 57 years, the U.S. has come together to celebrate the diverse Hispanic American culture, history, and contributions that is rooted in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The national observation of Hispanic Heritage Month first began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was later extended into a month-long observation from September 15 to October 15 by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. September was chosen as the start of the celebratory month because it aligns with several Hispanic countries’ Independence Day, like Mexico and Chile.
Why is it important to introduce students to different cultures and ideas?
By fostering awareness of heritage and cultures, students learn to be more empathetic when differences arise. As students grow older, they meet all kinds of people from different cultures and backgrounds. At Think Together, our goal is to integrate social-emotional learning and cultural awareness curriculum into its programs. This, in turn, better supports students in excelling and embracing those different from themselves.
What lessons are available to Think Together students to learn about Hispanic heritage?
One yearly activity that Think Together students across the state enjoy participating in is learning about the significance and history of Día de los Muertos. Students not only expand their minds with knowledge but also flex their creative skills in piecing together mini ofrendas (i.e. altars) to pay homage to an important individual in their life who has passed.
This September, Think Together students from South Whittier not only had the opportunity to learn about Día de los Muertos, but also to create beautiful artwork that will be displayed at the 20th annual Los Muertos Festival in Uptown Whittier during October.
Teach Rock is also a great source for K-12th grade Think Together students to use when exploring the many aspects of Hispanic heritage and how it has impacted their daily lives through music, community and culture.
In celebration, Think Together gathered a few historic facts that highlight the contributions and stories of the Hispanic community. Significant moments such as these remind us how rich and impactful Hispanic heritage is and how it continues to inspire and influence the world around us.
