By Lily White
Each year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Latine Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and uplifting the rich cultural, social, and political contributions of Latine communities in the United States. Previously known as Hispanic Heritage Month, this shift in terminology reflects a more inclusive understanding of the diverse identities within the Latine diaspora.
The transition from “Hispanic” to “Latine” or “Latinx” is significant. While “Hispanic” traditionally refers to people of Spanish-speaking origin, it often overlooks the cultural and racial diversity of Indigenous, Afro-Latine, and non-Spanish-speaking communities in Latin America, such as those from Brazil or Haiti. The term “Latine” embraces this diversity, including people of all genders, linguistic backgrounds, and ethnic identities.
The month begins on September 15, marking the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence shortly after, on September 16 and 18. This timing underscores the deep historical ties and shared struggles for freedom that resonate throughout Latin America.
Latine Heritage Month is a vital time for reflection and celebration. It reminds us of the invaluable contributions Latine communities have made, and continue to make, to our society. However, this celebration is not just about recognizing past accomplishments—it’s also about looking forward. As the Latine population continues to grow, so too does its influence on the cultural, political, and social landscapes. It is about acknowledging that Latine communities make ongoing contributions to art, politics, science, education, and every aspect of American life. Latine people have been, and continue to be, at the forefront of social justice movements, pushing for a more just and inclusive society.
Recognizing Latine Heritage Month goes beyond honoring history. It is essential that we amplify Latine voices, support Latine-led initiatives, and work toward dismantling the systemic barriers that many still face. As we reach the end of Latine Heritage Month, I challenge you to continue recognizing the Latine people and their effect on our lives throughout the rest of the year. While there is no one way to do this, here are a few ways that work for me.
Recognizing Latine Heritage Month goes beyond honoring history. It is essential that we amplify Latine voices, support Latine-led initiatives, and work toward dismantling the systemic barriers that many still face. As we reach the end of Latine Heritage Month, I challenge you to continue recognizing the Latine people and their effect on our lives throughout the rest of the year.
As we near Dia de Los Muertos (Oct. 31-Nov. 1) and All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1), remember the Latine ancestors who worked for the betterment of their people and whose work has benefited so many others. People like Cesár Chávez who founded the United Farm Workers of America and worked for equality, justice, and dignity for all Americans. Celia Cruz was a Cuban-born singer crowned the “Queen of Salsa,” one of the few women to succeed in the male-dominated world of salsa, who taught people all over the world about her culture and music, and was the first Afro-Latine woman to appear on the US quarter. Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, a Cuban-American theologian, who coined the term mujerista theology, (theology of the Latine woman), was involved in activist and feminist work and developed countless Latine scholars of theology. Like the ripples from a stone cast on a still lake, the work of these Hispanic ancestors continues to manifest today. My mother, a migrant worker, benefitted from the advocacy Chávez championed for the farm laborers. The mother of my goddaughter was so impacted by Cruz’s music that she named my goddaughter, Celia Rose, after her. Isasi-Diaz is my theological ancestor as she was the mentor to my Latine mentor, the Reverend Dr. Hugo Magallanes.
Set aside time on the 15th of every month to seek out ways in which current Latine people are influencing society. Pick a different topic each month or simply be intentional about seeing the unseen members of the Latine society.
When you pray before your meal, thanking God for the hands that have prepared it, consider praying for the hands that have picked the produce on your plate. Pray for the people with sunburns and back pain from bending over to harvest the lettuce, berries, cucumbers, and onions. So often the people who are cooking your restaurant takeout, washing and sanitizing the dishes after you eat, or delivering your food are of Latine descent. I encourage you to add your voice of prayer for these hard workers and the families they are trying to feed.
By continually honoring Latine Heritage Month, we commit to uplifting the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Latine people. Together, we can build a future that fully embraces the contributions of Latine communities throughout the year and foster a society that values equity, inclusion, and justice for all.
Lily White attends Perkins School of Theology – Southern Methodist University where she is a Baugh Scholar, a student ambassador for the Baptist House of Studies Board of Visitors at Perkins, and a member of the L@s Seminaristas, an ecumenical Latine student organization. Lily works at Alliance congregational partner University Baptist Church in Austin as the director of hospitality and serves as a seminary intern for the Alliance of Baptists. Lily is passionate about utilizing her expertise from the hospitality industry, where she worked for 14 years, to help the church be a more welcoming and inclusive space for all.
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