Much of Texas’ religion, food, art, music, and language come from the rich Latinx culture that dates back hundreds of years when Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 16th century, invading the homelands of the Apache, Comanche, Tonakawa, and Hasinai tribes, and continued with Mexico’s war of independence that pushed out Spain in 1821. The Republic of Texas existed from 1836 until it agreed to join the United States in 1845.
These early influences are steeped in our state’s culture and continue to enhance the social fabric of our communities today.
KIPP Texas Public Schools is proud to recognize National Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, which celebrates the rich histories, cultures and contributions of those who came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
This recognition began 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 on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law in 1988.
September 15 is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, El Día de la Raza is October 12, on which many people celebrate who have historical and cultural ties to Mexico, Central America and South America, including those with Native American ties (Mayan, Aztec, and Inca) and to European countries like Spain.
KIPP Texas has an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and looks forward to celebrating National Latinx Heritage Month by highlighting the outstanding Latinx teachers, staff and administrators who go above and beyond, to make sure our students continue to learn and thrive, during these unprecedented times.
Visit the KIPP Texas Facebook, KIPP Texas Instagram, and KIPP Texas Twitter throughout Latinx Heritage Month to see some of our unsung heroes.
Here are some resources that provide some interesting facts about the Latinx culture from HipLatina, the Associated Press, and History.com.
