National Hispanic American Heritage Month 2023

Hispanic American Heritage Month acknowledges “the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America." The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15th and ending on October 15th. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

Source: National Hispanic Heritage Month

This year, we invite you to learn about 10 Latinas and their imprints on the United States:

• Justice Sonia Sotomayor - Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
• Dolores Huerta – Civil Rights and Labor Activist
• Ellen Ochoa, Ph.D. – NASA Astronaut
• Sylvia Rivera – LGBTQIA+ Activist
• Julia Alvarez – Author
• Antonia Novello, M.D. – 14th Surgeon General of the United States (1990 – 1993)
• Rita Moreno – Actor and EGOT Winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award)
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – United States House of Representatives
• Gwendolyn Ifill – Journalist and Television Newscaster
• Selena (Quintanilla Perez) – Singer

Nantucket Latinas of Note:

• Esmeralda Martinez – Community Organizer, Nantucket School Committee (elected), and Town of Nantucket Employee
• Maria Partida – Community Organizer