It's official: Hispanic Heritage Month is here! During this month, we recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and histories of the Hispanic community. #HHM is an opportunity to let Hispanic communities across our country know that #EstamosUnidos, We Are United. Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988. Since then, the month is celebrated nationwide through art, festivals, community gatherings, and much more. The month also celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. Additionally, it includes holidays like Puerto Rico Friendship Day celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the 2020 Census, the Hispanic or Latino population stands at 62.1 million strong, growing 23% since 2010, outpacing the nation’s overall population growth. With the median age of the Hispanic population at 29.8 years, Latinos account for 18.5% of the nation’s total population. As we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s work together for our Hispanic neighbors and ensure access to affordable and quality healthcare, fight for environmental justice, provide educational opportunity, develop pathways to the middle class through good-paying jobs, and create a humane immigration system for all.