National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Organizations
- MALDEF - Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund"MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) is the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Our commitment is to protect and defend the rights of all Latinos living in the United States and the constitutional rights of all Americans."
- UnidosUS formerly knows as National Council of La Raza"Since 1968, UnidosUS—formerly known as NCLR—has remained a trusted, nonpartisan voice for Latinos.
We serve the Hispanic community through our research, policy analysis, and state and national advocacy efforts, as well as in our program work in communities nationwide. And we partner with a national network of nearly 300 Affiliates across the country to serve millions of Latinos in the areas of civic engagement, civil rights and immigration, education, workforce and the economy, health, and housing."
Background
National Hispanic Heritage month was first designated as a week in mid-September which included Sept 15 and 16. Many countries in central america and Mexico celebrate their independence during this time. President Lyndon B. Johnson designated the first week to be celebrated in 1958. Subsequent presidents continued this tradition with President George H.W. Bush proclaiming the weeks from Sep 15 to Oct 15 in 1989.
Countries Celebrating Independence Dates In September
Costa Rica- Sept 15
El Salvador- Sept 15
Guatemala- Sept 15
Honduras- Sept 15
Mexico - Sept 15 and 16
Nicaragua - Sept 15
Search Terms
There are various terms used when searching information on Hispanics. Here are some frequently used terms:
- Hispanic
- Latino
- Latina
- Chicano
- Chicana
- Puerto Rican
- Mexican-American
- Afro-Latino
Librarian
National Hispanic Organizations ( cont.)
- United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce"The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development and interests of more than 4.7 million Hispanic-owned businesses that, combined, contribute over $700 billion to the American economy every year. It also advocates on behalf of 260 major American corporations and serves as the umbrella organization for more than 250 local chambers and business associations nationwide. Follow us on Twitter @USHCC."
- National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials"Founded in 1981, NALEO Educational Fund achieves its mission through integrated strategies that include increasing the effectiveness of Latino policymakers, mobilizing the Latino community to engage in civic life and promoting policies that advance Latino political engagement."