Why Heritage Months Matter—A Case for Celebrating Diversity

They give a voice to groups that haven’t always had one.

BY STEPHNIE @the Brimly Test Kitchen

September 6, 2024

Image Source/Editors @ Brimly

10 minute Read

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"Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance."— Verna Myers

In a world that’s more connected than ever, taking the time to celebrate different cultures and histories is a big deal. With people from all kinds of backgrounds living, working, and interacting together, it’s easy to forget the unique stories that each group brings to the table. That’s where heritage months come in—they give us a chance to honor these stories and the people behind them. Right now, we’re in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. Let’s dive into why heritage months, and this one in particular, are so important.

Why Do We Even Have Heritage Months?

At the heart of it, heritage months are about making sure everyone feels seen and heard. They give a voice to groups that haven’t always had one in the past, allowing us to celebrate their achievements, culture, and history. If you think about it, history books and pop culture usually highlight the stories of more dominant groups while pushing others to the background. Heritage months help fix that by making sure every story gets told.

For example, we’ve got Black History Month in February, Women’s History Month in March, and LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June. These months spotlight the specific struggles and successes of these communities, just like Hispanic Heritage Month does for Hispanic and Latinx people. These months aren’t just about celebrating; they’re about balancing the scales and making sure everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.

The Power of Education

One of the best parts about Heritage Months is that they teach us things we might not have learned otherwise. Schools, businesses, and even social media can get in on the action, sharing stories, facts, and accomplishments from the featured group. Let’s be real: a lot of important contributions from Hispanic and Latinx communities might not even make it into your average history class. Heritage months change that.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we get a chance to learn about the deep connections between Hispanic cultures and the history of the United States. Did you know that Hispanic people have been part of this country’s story since long before the U.S. even existed? From early explorers to the laborers who helped build the country’s economy, their impact runs deep. And we don’t just learn about big historical moments—this is a time to spotlight amazing individuals like labor activist César Chávez, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. These months help fill in the gaps that standard history lessons might leave out.

Appreciating, Not Appropriating

In today’s world, cultural appreciation sometimes gets tangled up with cultural appropriation—when people borrow elements from another culture without really understanding or respecting them. Heritage months remind us to celebrate cultures in a way that’s respectful and informed, not just trendy or surface-level.

Take Hispanic Heritage Month as an example. It’s a time to dive deep into Hispanic traditions like Día de los Muertos, a day to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Without understanding the meaning behind this celebration, people might reduce it to just face paint and colorful decorations. Heritage months push us to appreciate the full context, making sure we celebrate in ways that respect the culture’s origins.

Celebrating Differences, Coming Together

Another big reason Heritage Months matter is that they remind us how diversity makes us stronger. When we take time to celebrate different cultures, we’re also recognizing that our histories are all interconnected. No culture exists in a bubble, and each one adds something special to the mix.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great example of this. It brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds—whether they’re from Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, or Central and South America—and celebrates both their unique identities and their shared experiences. This month also encourages people outside the Hispanic and Latinx communities to get involved, learn more, and celebrate alongside them. Whether it’s through music, food, or art, we’re reminded of how much richer our lives are when we embrace our differences.

Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters Today

Hispanic Heritage Month is especially important in today’s world. The Hispanic and Latinx population is one of the fastest-growing demographics in the U.S., making up almost 19% of the population. But even with such a strong presence, Hispanic and Latinx communities face challenges like discrimination, underrepresentation, and economic inequality.

This month helps counteract some of the negative stereotypes that have been thrown around in recent years, especially around immigration. By focusing on the positive impact Hispanic and Latinx communities have had—and continue to have—on the U.S., Hispanic Heritage Month helps shift the narrative. It’s a reminder that these communities are an essential part of the country’s fabric.

The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month is no accident, either. It kicks off on September 15, the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Chile. This connection to independence highlights the deep roots that Hispanic and Latinx communities have in the Americas. It’s also a chance to celebrate how these communities continue to shape the future, whether through activism, art, or innovation.

Our round-up is:

So, why do we need heritage months at all? Because they remind us of something we all know deep down: that diversity makes us stronger. They help correct the imbalances in how we talk about history, make room for everyone’s story, and give people a chance to celebrate their culture while inviting others to learn and appreciate it too. In the case of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re reminded that the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people are woven into the fabric of the U.S.—past, present, and future.

In the end, heritage months aren’t just about looking backward at what’s been done. They’re about looking forward to a future where every culture is respected and celebrated. They show us that no matter where we come from, we all have something to bring to the table. So as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this year, let’s take it as a reminder to keep learning, keep appreciating, and keep building a future where everyone’s story matters.