NJSBA Joins the Nation in Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

The New Jersey School Boards Association joins school districts and boards of education throughout the country celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures and extensive histories of the American Latino community.

“The NJSBA recognizes the important contributions of our Hispanic community. Hispanic students, teachers, administrators, staff members and community members enrich and bring life to our schools,” said Dr. Timothy Purnell, the Association’s executive director and CEO. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history and traditions that have shaped this rich culture.”

Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week”, but it was later extended to a month in 1988, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Since then, it has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on Sept. 15, Mexico on Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18. They also include holidays that recognize Hispanic contributions such as Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day that is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona released a video commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month and shared how the U.S. Department of Education is raising the bar for an excellent, equitable, and more inclusive education for every Latino student, family and community.

You can refer to the following resources for more information on Hispanic Heritage Month.