Latinx Heritage Month—also recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month—began as a week-long celebration of the heritages and cultures of citizens of Hispanic origin in the United States. Since its creation in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the celebration has expanded to encompass 30 days from September 15th to October 15th. Mid-September marks the beginning of Latinx Heritage Month because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence days within this period and Día de la Raza occurs on October 12th.
The term “Latinx” refers to people of Latin American origin or descent as a gender-neutral alternative to Latino or Latina. In comparison, Hispanic is associated with the Spanish colonialization of the Americas, thus excluding non-Spanish speakers that share geographic and historical heritage with Spanish speakers. The term “Latinx” is inclusive of indigenous, Brazilian, and other non-Spanish speaking groups that take part in the celebration.
As the United States’ largest minority, Latinx people offer an extremely diverse and culturally rich influence on our country. Cultural contributions like music, food, language, and beliefs have shaped the nation over the decades. Additionally, Latinx-owned small businesses have seen recent success: the average annual revenue jumped an impressive 26.5 percent in 2018. These small businesses contribute more than $700 billion to the economy annually, according to the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and have grown 31.6 percent since 2012—that's double the rate of all businesses across America.
Shop Green Businesses for Latinx Heritage Month
The Green Business Network at Green America is proud to stand with Latinx-owned green businesses as an expanding and driving force in the green economy. We support businesses that adopt practices to protect people and the planet through goals of social and environmental justice, sustainability, and community health and development. Join us in supporting impactful, eco-minded Latinx entrepreneurs around the nation. Syracuse Cultural Workers offers a great example of products commemorating Latinx Heritage Month.
Browse our certified minority-owned green business members in our online directory, GreenPages.org.
