The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District embraces National Hispanic Heritage Month and its Board of Education recognizes the integral role that Hispanic Americans have played in the prosperity of the U.S. through formal adoption of a resolution.
This year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month theme focuses on prosperity, power, and progress, recognizing the significant strides of Hispanics in the economic, political, and social growth of the U.S. under the theme “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America. The theme aligns with MPUSD's prioritization of valuing and embracing all stakeholder voice. At MPUSD there is no more important collaboration that that of students, families, and staff to build a stronger education community through the acknowledgement, recognition, and celebration of the significant contributions of Hispanics.
Hispanic Heritage Month was first introduced by Congressman George E. Brown in 1968. With the civil rights movement, the need to recognize the contributions of the Latin community gained traction in the 1960s, and awareness of the multicultural groups living in the United States was simultaneously growing. Congressman Brown’s aim was to recognize the integral roles of the Hispanic communities in American history. Observation of Hispanic Heritage Week started in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and later extended to a 30-day celebration by President Ronald Reagan, starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
September 15 is set as the starting date for the month as it is important for many reasons. It is the independence anniversary for Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
 |
 |