Esperanza: Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx and Hope is the theme of the 2021 National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed and celebrated annually. The observance started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30 day period starting September 15 – October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, with the passage of Public Law 100-402.
National Hispanic Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the many contributions made and the significant presence of Hispanic Americans to the United States. Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country in many ways, including but not limited to, a strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, public service, and the economy. They have also advanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old, multiethnic, and multicultural traditions and customs.
To provide a further and even more profound perspective regarding the value and essence of the Hispanic Heritage and the importance and purpose of Hispanic Heritage Month, the following writing by Walt Whitman, arguably one of America’s most influential writers and poets, in 1883 is ideal. In response to being invited to the 333rd-anniversary celebration of Santa Fe, New Mexico, he wrote them a letter regretfully declining the invitation. The following excerpts from the letter are as significant, appropriate, and profound today, as they were over 100 years ago. Walt Whitman wrote:
“To the composite American identity of the future, Spanish character will supply some of the most needed parts. No stock shows a grander historic retrospect – grander in religiousness and loyalty, or for patriotism, courage, decorum, gravity, and honor.”
“As to the Spanish stock of the Southwest, it is certain to me that we do not begin to appreciate the splendor and sterling value of its race element. Who knows but that element, like the course of some subterranean river, dipping invisibly for a hundred or two years, is now to emerge in broadest flow and permanent action.”
Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
