Hispanic Heritage Month Events And Resources

Hispanic family smiling at camera in group photo

OHIOHEALTH

Hispanic Heritage Month is a nationally recognized holiday to celebrate and educate on the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the U.S. It’s also a time for LatinX people to celebrate their roots! It started as a week-long celebration established by legislation sponsored by Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles and was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Many Central and South American countries celebrate their independence day during this timeframe.

The Hispanic community continues to grow, contribute and make-up the American culture. From immigration policies to pop culture to companies translating content into Spanish, Latinx Americans are making their voices heard in how companies go to market, schools operate, and government executes.

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Census:

17% of the U.S. population and 5% of the Ohio population is Hispanic.
By 2020, 26% of teens and 23% of the 18-34 demographic will be Hispanic.
Hispanics are the youngest ethnic group in America with a median age of 28, while the U.S. median age is 38.
Hispanics in Ohio are even younger than the rest of the Hispanic population with a median age of 24.
75% of Hispanics choose to speak Spanish at home.
U.S. born Hispanics are now growing at a larger percentage than new Hispanic immigrants.

What is the difference between Hispanic, Latino/a and LatinX?

The term Latino refers to all people of Central and South America. The term Hispanic* refers to all people who speak Spanish, which includes all central and South America and Spain, but excludes Brazil. LatinX, a gender-neutral representation of a population, is a newer term used by younger generations. There is no right or wrong answer when addressing this population group, so please ask which term someone prefers.

*For U.S. statistics and demographic information Hispanic is inclusive of anyone from Central and South America. Many people count themselves Hispanic well into third and fourth generations.

There are many things to do, read, watch and listen to in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. So we rounded up some of the activities you can do at home or around Ohio for the month.

Things to Do

Hispanic Restaurant Week

October 10-18 | Columbus, OH
Experience Latin American culture and cuisine through an extensive tour of 20+ restaurants! You’ll enjoy traditions from all different regions, such as Mexico, Cuba and the Caribbean, Honduras, Argentina and many more.

2020 Américas Award Ceremony

October 12 | Online event
Join the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP) and the Hispanic Division of the Library of Congress to honor the 2020 Américas Award winners.

Smithsonian Institute’s Exhibition, “Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art.”

Online Exhibition
Appreciate Hispanic art from the comfort of your home with this extensive exhibition, which includes 72 modern and contemporary artists and a total of 92 artworks.