Latinx History: Celebrating Layers Of Diverse Heritage

Latinx Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, isn’t just a nod to history—it’s about embracing the full spectrum of identities within the Latinx community. From rich cultural legacies to the stories of non-binary, Afro, and Indigenous people, this month invites us all to rethink and broaden our understanding. Curious? Let’s dive in.

Over 50 years ago, President Lyndon Johnson signed Proclamation 3869, and just like that, a week-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage was born. Fast forward to today, and what began as a single week has blossomed into an entire month of recognition—September 15 to October 15, to be exact. Many still call it National Hispanic Heritage Month, but times are changing, and so is the language we use.

Now, more often, we hear the term Latinx Heritage Month. This isn’t just a trendy new label. It’s a conscious shift to include non-binary, gender-nonconforming, and gender-expansive people in this celebration. And it's not just about that—it’s about acknowledging Indigenous, Brazilian, Afro, Asian, and other non-Spanish-speaking folks who are very much part of this vibrant community.

Let’s talk about those terms: “Hispanic” and “Latino.” They’ve been around for a while, right? The U.S. Census uses them, and they’ve become institutionalized. But here’s the thing—these words don’t always capture the full picture. They’ve been used as broad categories, but the Latinx community in the U.S. is anything but one-size-fits-all. The terms describe people who may be U.S.-born or immigrants, descendants of Latin American migrants or Afro-Latinos —each group having their own unique experiences and stories.

Historically, Latinx identity is incredibly complex. Many have both Spanish and Indigenous heritage because of the colonization of Latin America. Others have African roots, a direct link to the region’s history with enslavement. And not everyone identifies as Catholic or Christian, either. Some trace their lineage back to ancestors who fled persecution for being Jewish or Muslim during the Inquisition and other periods of religious intolerance.

The diversity doesn’t stop there. Did you know that around 3 percent of Asian Americans living in the U.S. also identify as Asian Latino or Asian Hispanic? Yes, you read that right. Pew Research estimates that 6 million U.S. adults identify as Afro-Latino. But get this—about one-in-seven of those Afro-Latinos don’t identify as Hispanic at all.

So why Latinx? Well, in recent years, this term has been gaining ground, especially among scholars and activists. It’s more than just a word—it’s a way to be more inclusive, especially for those who don’t fit neatly into the traditional gender binaries of “Latino” or “Latina.” The “x” challenges those old-school labels and opens space for everyone, no matter how they identify.

As you celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, I encourage you to ask questions of the history as it is presented, taking time to honor the incredible histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx communities. Because at the end of the day, it’s this rich diversity that makes our organizations stronger, and it’s important that we recognize and include everyone in the conversation.