16.09.2021 By Sena Pottackal, Junior Associate and Diversity Advocate, and Ethan Chiu, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Intern

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month: Resources to Learn, Read, Explore and More

At Current Global, we value the diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences that constitute our collaborative community. Through various initiatives, we embrace the communities that enrich our agency culture, and this month we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the history of this celebration, the culture of the Hispanic and Latinx communities, cultural contributions from influential Hispanic and Latinx individuals, and advocacy groups for Hispanic and Latinx people.

Highlighting the History of Hispanic Heritage Month

In 1968 the United States commenced its celebration of the culture and contributions of its growing Hispanic and Latinx communities. This once week-long celebration has evolved into Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) beginning September 15 and concluding October 15. The unusual start date is significant because it commemorates the day that Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua gained their independence. Learn more about the history of HHM here:

• History of Hispanic Heritage Month PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) OC
• Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month PRSA NY (NEW YORK)

Honoring Hispanic Cultural Influence

As we observe and celebrate the culture and accomplishments of the Hispanic/Latinx communities, we recognize the cultural influence of Hispanic/Latinx artists, entrepreneurs, and inventors. Learn more here:

• 15 Hispanic and Latinx Artists You Should Be Following on Instagram
• Pioneering Black Latina Artists of Latin America
• 7 Afro-Latina Musicians You Need to Know Now
• 15 of the Most Successful Hispanic Entrepreneurs

We also commemorate how the contributions of these communities have significantly expanded and deeply enriched the American culture:

• 17 Traditional Hispanic Foods for Hispanic Heritage Month
• Hispanic Cocktail Origin Stories for Hispanic Heritage Month
• 25 Fashion Pieces with Latinx or Hispanic Origins

Additionally, here are some advocacy organizations doing great work in Hispanic/Latinx communities across the country:

• National Coalition for Latinx with Disabilities
• 80+ Latinx-Owned Businesses to Support Today and Every day
• Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)
• Hispanic Marketing Council
• National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)

Storytelling Through Art and Media

Archiving and cultivating diverse and authentic stories is imperative, and representation is critical. Authentic storytelling allows others to recognize and understand that Hispanic/Latinx experiences are not a monolith. Diverse and multifaceted narratives are necessary to articulate this reality. Here are some films, television shows, books, and podcasts to learn more:

Film + TV

11 Latinx Films to Stream in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

21 Latinx TV Shows to Stream Right Now

22 Latinx People, Who Changed the Game for Representation on TV

 

Books

Latinx Authors

11 Books by Latinx authors to read during Hispanic Heritage Month

 

Podcasts

Best Spanish and Latinx Podcasts to Listen to in 2021

Code Switch

Anything For Selena

Latina Theory