For Hispanic Heritage Month, we dedicate 30 days to recognize the influence and great contributions that the Hispanic/LatinX communities have had on the United States. In 2020 Hispanics make up 18.7% of the US population. That's approximately 62.5 million people. Today and throughout history, those that are part of the fantastic community have had major effects on many historical events.
POLITICS
Hispanics have been part of the United States since its founding. Around 1910 several treaties were signed which created a large border. The land acquired was once part of Mexico. Before this, there was much more unity between the two countries. Many Hispanics (Mexican mainly) were even part of the Civil War which won the United States its independence.
In 1898 after the Spanish-American war Puerto Rico became a US territory. However, it wasn't until March 2nd, 1917 that the residents were granted citizenship. This was primarily due to the drafting of World War I. Since then Puerto Ricans and other U.S dwelling Hispanics have played significant roles in the US military. One of the most notable was the 158th regimental combat team; the bushmasters. A battalion
Cuidado - Take Care, Bushmasters! Bicol Campaign, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 3-4 April 1945. made solely of Hispanic and Native American servicemen during World War II. The Bushmasters were active from 1942 to 1945.
Like many minorities in the U.S, the treatment of the Hispanic community faced many civil rights issues. One of those being segregation. Many know of the landmark ruling of Brown v Board of Education, in which the justices ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. However, 8 years prior, there was a similar case named Mendez v The Westminster School District. This legal case is what set a precedent for the historic ruling 8 years later.
Pop culture
Community is a significant thing among many Hispanics. A big show of this is the Latino community, baseball leagues. Baseball itself is a sport that many Hispanic/Latinx communities and countries have participated in. In the U.S the MLB Hall of Fame has several Hispanic players. In recent years the League has recognized the efforts and skills of more Hispanic players. Since 2010 there has been a steadily growing number of candidates in the upcoming election cycle.
Music, it's something that everyone loves. It's always been a great way for people to connect and express themselves. Many forms of music that originated in different Latin-based countries have been adopted. Due to its highly synchronistic nature, a wide variety of music such as bachata, meringue, samba, and many others have become immensely popular in the US.
Cuisine
In 1918 Ezequiel Moreno, a native of Zacatecas Mexico opened an in-house bakery. In the 1920's he moved to LA Plaza, a neighborhood known for its multicultural residents. Moreno's bakery, La Esperanza, was known for its bread, coffee, and traditional Mexican dishes. They attracted Mexican immigrants, downtown employees, and Hollywood movie stars.
Mexican food has been a well-loved sample of American eating. Tacos, quesadillas, guacamole, and other corn and salsa-based snacks are extremely popular. In recent years though more variety has begun to gain attention. Traditional food such as Brazilian Churrasqueiras, Venezuelan Arepas, and Peruvian Ceviche has become fascinating to many Americans.
Hispanic/ Latin X culture is a surprisingly big part of U.S history. From politics to entertainment and cuisine, Hispanic culture has been a major influence on American culture throughout the United States.