Monday, Sept. 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to pay tribute to the Hispanic and U.S. Latino population and their positive contributions to our union, communities and country. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Spain. At the UFCW, we take pride in recognizing the vital role our Hispanic and Latino members play in strengthening our union, workplaces, and communities.
The origins of this celebration date back to President Lyndon Johnson, who first established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to cover a 30-day period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law in 1988, and the start date of Sept. 15 was chosen for the celebration because it marks the anniversary of independence for a number of Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and 18.
As we honor this month, let us uplift the voices, stories, and leadership of our Latino members who continue to shape the labor movement and build a stronger, more inclusive future for all. If you have members who would like to share their stories about what this month means to them, please reach out to Julie Anderson at janderson@ufcw.org.