LatinX Heritage Month or Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American. The term “Latinx” relates to people of Latin American origin or descent and is used as a gender-neutral or non-binary alternative to Latino or Latina. They honor the contributions they have made to American society and culture. The observation was created in 1968 when Congress authorized by President Lyndon Johnson to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Two decades later, it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, to stretch from September 15 to October 15.

The timing of LatinX Heritage month is key as the month starts September 15, a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.

For more information about Latinx or Hispanic Heritage Month check out the Humans Right Campaign website!