National Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring History and Navigating Immigration Issues

Each autumn, as the days grow shorter and the air fills with the scent of falling leaves, the United States pauses to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 15, Americans come together to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx peoples. This month of recognition is more than a festivity; it is an invitation to reflect on the complex tapestry of immigration, identity, and resilience that has shaped the nation for centuries.

National Hispanic Heritage Month’s roots trace back to 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson first proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Week. During a time of social upheaval and civil rights activism, the recognition sought to honor the vital role that Americans of Hispanic descent have played in shaping the United States. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a month, recognizing the growing diversity and influence of Hispanic communities. The chosen dates—September 15 to October 15—are significant: several Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, celebrate their independence days on or near September 15, with Mexico and Chile following on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

The terms “Hispanic” and “Latinx” encompass a vast and diverse group of people whose ancestry stretches across continents and centuries. While “Hispanic” generally refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, “Latinx” is a more inclusive term, acknowledging those from Latin America regardless of language, as well as people who do not identify within the gender binary. The communities highlighted during Hispanic Heritage Month include Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, Salvadoran Americans, Dominican Americans, and many more. Their stories reflect both shared struggles and unique cultural legacies.

Hispanic and Latinx Americans have left an indelible mark on the nation’s story. From the earliest Spanish explorers who mapped the American Southwest to the vibrant influence of Latin American music, food, literature, and art, their contributions have enriched every facet of American life. Figures such as labor leader César Chávez, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, author Sandra Cisneros, and astronaut Ellen Ochoa embody the ingenuity and resilience that define the Hispanic American experience.

Communities across the country celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with parades, concerts, art exhibits, and educational events. These activities celebrate not only the past, but also the dynamic, evolving identities of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. The month is a moment to recognize the sacrifices and achievements that have paved the way for future generations.

The story of Hispanic and Latinx immigration is deeply intertwined with the nation’s evolution. Long before the United States existed, Spanish explorers and settlers had established missions and communities from Florida to California. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War, incorporated vast swaths of territory—and the people living on it—into the United States. Thus, many Mexican Americans in the Southwest are descendants of families who have lived in the region for generations, predating the current U.S. borders.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, waves of immigrants from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America have sought new opportunities and safety in the U.S. Economic hardship, political turmoil, war, and natural disasters have driven millions to cross borders in search of a better life. The Bracero Program (1942-1964), which brought millions of Mexican laborers to work in American agriculture, is one example of how immigration policies have shaped and been shaped by economic needs.

Changing Policies and Their Human Impact

Immigration policy has long been a source of national debate and political contention. Laws such as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and more recent executive actions have reflected changing attitudes toward immigrants and the realities of a globalized world. While some policies have opened doors, others have set up barriers—physically and metaphorically.

For many, the immigration journey is fraught with peril. Families risk separation; individuals face detention or deportation. The situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, in particular, has drawn international attention and sparked emotional debate. Dreamers—young immigrants protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program—have become symbols of hope and uncertainty, their futures tied to shifting legal and political winds.

Join us at Jesus & Justice on Sunday September 28th, 2025 at the Go-Comedy Club to tune in and listen to our guest speakers discuss the anti-immigration activities happening in Detroit Michigan.

Happy Hour is at 4pm!

Location: Go Comedy Club

261 East 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220