Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and culture of the Latinx and Hispanic communities in the U.S. It takes place from September 15th to October 15th.
The timing is significant because September 15th aligns with the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence day on September 16th, and Chile celebrates its independence on the 18th.
History of Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Week was launched in 1968 and expanded into Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988. The observance was created to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to U.S. history. It’s a time for Hispanic and Latinx Americans to celebrate their history and culture.
Many find the month’s name problematic due to the term “Hispanic” and its incomprehensive definition. We recommend reading up on that so you are fully informed. Another great resource is the NPR article, “Who put the Hispanic in Hispanic Heritage Month?”
That said, the month aims to honor and celebrate all Hispanic and Latinx Americans, who make up roughly 18.5% of the U.S. population.
Hispanic and Latinx Psychologists Who Made History
The mental health field would not be what it is today without the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx professionals in the field. Here are just a few who made significant contributions.
In 1962, Martha Bernal became the first Mexican American woman to get a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her research and advocacy for multicultural psychology pushed the field of study further.
Ena Vázquez-Nuttall was a psychologist who studied and published many studies about culture and gender issues in psychology. Her research has had a significant influence on the field of psychology and on the American Psychological Association’s current policies.
These are just a couple of examples. Read more here and here.
Find Care Specific to Your Cultural Identity
Looking for culturally competent treatment or resources? Check these out:
- Therapy for Latinx has a directory to connect users to Latinx therapists
- Latinx Therapy has mental health resources and a therapist directory
- This website compiles a list of BIPOC Minnesota health and wellness providers
Guild is Here
At Guild, we know that culture, heritage, and language can play an important part in mental health treatment. Our services are holistic, meaning that we treat the whole person and recognize that mental illness can impact all aspects of your life. Looking for services? Contact our Community Access line at (651) 925-8490.
Sources:
National Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month.gov
Hispanic Heritage Month, History Channel.
Does Hispanic Heritage Month Need a Rebrand?, New York Times.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2020, U.S. Census Bureau.
In Memoriam, National Latinx Psychological Association.
Multicultural Psychology, APA Dictionary of Psychology.
Hispanic Contributions to Psychology, Oklahoma State University.