This Week's Facts:

-September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month

-Online Resources Honor Latinos' Contributions to American Culture

-State Agency Promotes Social, Educational Equality for Latinos

Census Provides Facts About U.S. Hispanic/Latino Population

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to learn facts about the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S.

The Hispanic population in the U.S. increased 2.5%  between 2010 and 2011, according to the 2011 Population Estimates released in July.

There are 8 states that have a population of 1 million or more Hispanic residents — Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York & Texas.

In 2010, there were 1.1 million Hispanics in the U.S. who were 25 and older and had advanced degrees (Master’s, professional, Doctorate), according to the 2010 American Community Survey.

Approximately 1.2 million Hispanics or Latinos 18 and older who are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

For more detailed statistics, check out the webpage for Hispanic Heritage Month facts from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Friday Facts Editorial Team:

Katharine Springer
State Data Center Coordinator

Kim Brown-Harden
State Documents Coordinator

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September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month

In 1968, National Hispanic Heritage Month started as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson by Public Law 90-498 and was lengthened by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to make it 30 days beginning September 15 and ending on October 15. September 15 is significant because it’s the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Also, Mexico and Chile celebrate independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Finally, Columbus Day, or Dia de la Raza, falls on October 12, within this 30-day period.  The Library of Congress has images, audio/video collections,  and a Hispanic Reading Room that present unique perspectives on Hispanic culture and history in the U.S

The theme for National Hispanic Heritage Month, “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories… One American Spirit,” is certainly fitting. The Hispanic/Latino population in the United States is growing consistently and adding to America’s cultural landscape. The National Archives and Records Administration, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and other federal agencies pay tribute to generations of Hispanic Americans who have enriched and influenced the nation and society via the Hispanic Heritage Month website. The United States has always held a collection of many cultures. Remember to celebrate what makes each of us special and unique. Check out your community for programs or create your own!

Online Resources Honor Latinos' Contributions to American Culture

Every year America honors the contributions and culture of Latinos in the United States. National Hispanic Heritage Month highlights important Hispanics in our country’s history as well as special events throughout the month in honor of Hispanic heritage. USA.gov has information and government resources in English and Spanish to help celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month:

• The Smithsonian Institution offers a virtual heritage tour online so you don’t have to plan a special trip to Washington, D.C. You can explore all types of objects – clothing, tools and paintings to name a few – all of which highlight Hispanic history and culture in the United States. And no need to worry about a time crunch-- the Smithsonian has the virtual tour online all year long.

• If you’re looking to teach your kids or community about National Hispanic Heritage Month, the National Park Service offers a “Teach with Historic Places” kit that includes lesson plans in both English and Spanish based on locations throughout the United States. Sometimes a historic site is closer than you think, and makes for a great family trip!

• Looking for a government resource in Spanish? GobiernoUSA.gov is the official government website in Spanish to answer all of your questions about government programs, benefits and services such as information on immigration services, Social Security and much more. You can also interact with USA.gov on Twitter @GobiernoUSA and get your questions answered in Spanish on Facebook.

Learn more about the contributions of the Hispanic community to American society and find a full list of National Hispanic Heritage Month resources on USA.gov.

State Agency Promotes Social, Educational Equality for Latinos

Hispanic/Latino culture can be found in just about every area of America, and Indiana is no exception. Indiana has seen an increase in its Hispanic/Latino population over the last two decades.  The Indiana Commission on Hispanic Latino Affairs is a state agency that works toward the economic, educational, and social equality of Hispanic citizens. Their goal includes promoting cooperation and understanding of Hispanic life and culture. The Commission identifies measures, reviews programs, and researches challenges and opportunities that affect the Hispanic/Latino community in the state. The Commission offers many resources for Indiana’s Hispanic/Latino citizens including Tax Preparation Sites for Spanish speakers.  To view the Commission’s website En Espanol, click here.