September 2024

September 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when we commemorate the rich tapestry of history, traditions, culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Unlike other heritage months, this celebration begins mid-month to highlight the anniversaries of independence for several Latin American countries. This includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, all of which declared independence on September 15, 1821, and Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively.

First established in 1968 as a weeklong observance and later expanded to a full 31 days in 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Month today celebrates Hispanic Americans whose heritage is rooted in Spain and 19 countries or territories; in addition to those mentioned above, this includes Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” highlights the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the Hispanic experience.

Throughout history, Hispanic Americans have pushed the envelope and changed the world in so many ways. They have left an indelible mark in every aspect of society, from labor organizers like Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and Luisa Moreno; technology pioneers like inventor and astronaut Ellen Ochoa and Duolingo founder Luis Von Ahn; sports legends like softball player Lisa Fernandez who led the U.S. Olympic teams to three consecutive gold medals; and news media leaders like Cesar Conde, the first Hispanic American to lead a major English-language news organization.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Latino population in the U.S. is over 62 million today, making up 18.9% of the total population. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.

We encourage everyone to be a part of Hispanic Heritage Month festivities and learn more about how Hispanic Americans have changed — and are changing — the world. Bring the family to Fiestas Patrias Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, or attend a Latinx Heritage Month activity at your local library. There’s lots to explore.

Check out our list of resources and activities in your neighborhood. Adelante!




Celebrating Home Visiting in LA

Celebrating Home Visiting in LA

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer May 22, 2025 Opening your home to a stranger can be scary. Especially if you're a new mom.   Just ask Dani. After the birth of her son, she got a call from a parent educator asking if she'd like to participate in a home visiting...

Conversations That Count: Encouraging Bilingualism in Young Learners

Conversations That Count: Encouraging Bilingualism in Young Learners

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer April 22, 2025 The young boy is talking about cognates.   "I know some words in Spanish," Mateo tells the nice lady sitting next to him in the booth. "When we watch these videos, they show the word first in English and then, at the...

FIRST 5 LA BOARD EXPLORES INITIATIVE 3: MATERNAL & CHILD WELL-BEING

FIRST 5 LA BOARD EXPLORES INITIATIVE 3: MATERNAL & CHILD WELL-BEING

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer May 22, 2025 First 5 LA’s Board of Commissioners Meeting was convened on May 8. Highlights of the meeting included a discussion on the proposed First 5 LA budget for the new fiscal year; a presentation on First 5 LA’s Maternal &...

AANHPI Heritage Month 2025: Leadership and Resilience

AANHPI Heritage Month 2025: Leadership and Resilience

Hello! Aloha! Kumusta! Xin chào! May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Originally established as a weeklong observance in 1978 and expanded to a month in 1992, this annual celebration is a valuable opportunity to honor...

Janitorial Services Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

POSTING DATE: APRIL 29, 2025 DUE DATE: MAY 14, 2025 at 5:00 pm Pacific Time (PT) UPDATE(S): May 13, 2025  The section QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS was updated to reflect that no questions were received, accordingly, no Questions and Answers document will be posted.  ELIGIBLE...

Women’s History Month: Alma Cortes, Ed.D.

Women’s History Month: Alma Cortes, Ed.D.

April 8, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Help Me Grow LA: Connecting the Dots to Healthy Child Development

Help Me Grow LA: Connecting the Dots to Healthy Child Development

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer March 27, 2025 Shakur was 2 when he started crossing his fingers. It happened a lot. His mom, Brooklynn, noticed that the behavior happened every time they visited the local park. That's when she did some sleuthing online and...

Translate