From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we celebrate the rich and diverse community of Latinx and Hispanic people whose contributions have helped shape U.S. culture and society.
This celebration is designed to coincide with the independence day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (Sept. 15, 1821), Mexico (Sept. 16, 1810) and Chile (Sept. 18, 1810).
Pennsylvania’s educators are finding creative ways to introduce their students to the array of Hispanic and Latinx cultures. I encourage you to take time over the next couple weeks to do the same. There are great resources at hispanicheritagemonth.gov to help you get started. Find art exhibits, films, musical performances and family activities from the National Archives and Presidential Libraries that highlight the many contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans.
Our diversity is our strength as a nation. This is something we see every day in our public schools. And we’re proud to join communities across Pennsylvania and the nation to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Rich Askey
Harrisburg
The writer is president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.