Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15, is an annual tribute to the history, cultural contributions and continuing vibrant presence of Hispanic-Americans, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Formerly known as Hispanic Heritage Week, the celebration began under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and was expanded to a 30-day event by President Reagan in 1988. The four week period beginning with September 15 is significant because it encompasses the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. The 2023 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Prosperity, Power, and Progress,” in recognition of Hispanic contributions to the economic and political fields. Learn more about the celebration at the History Channel and at this Library of Congress site. Then, check out the titles below for Hispanic voices both new and innovative and established and venerated; click on the book jacket to be taken to the link in our catalog.
“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” Gabriel García Márquez
“You only have what you give. It’s by spending yourself that you become rich.” Isabel Allende
“The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.” Sonia Sotomayor
“In the end, the American dream is not a sprint, or even a marathon, but a relay. Our families don’t always cross the finish line in the span of one generation. But each generation passes on to the next the fruits of their labor.” Julian Castro
“Action is the antidote to despair.” Joan Baez