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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, is a significant American event dedicated to honoring the cultures and contributions of individuals and communities who have ancestral roots in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Spain. Commemorate the occasion with your students by learning about their remarkable achievements, engaging with interactive media, and getting inspired through an array of compelling resources.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

Famous Hispanic American Activists Athletes Poets Performers

One of the most impactful ways to pay tribute to Hispanic heritage with your students is by sharing the incredible narratives of renowned Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have significantly influenced our nation’s rich history. From activists to performers to entrepreneurs to poets, we’ve rounded up just a few of our favorites for you to showcase in your classroom.

Information sourced from Britannica School. Not a subscriber? Contact us to learn more. 

cesar
chavez

(1927–1993). American labor leader Cesar Chavez was instrumental in changing the working conditions of migrant workers on American farms.

Luis W.
Alvarez

(1911–88). The experimental physicist Luis W. Alvarez won the 1968 Nobel prize for physics for work that included the discovery of resonance particles.

Gabriela
Mistral

(1889-1957). Gabriela Mistral, pseudonym of Lucila Godoy Alcayaga, Chilean poet, who in 1945 became the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Reies
Tijerina

(1926–2015). American civil rights activist Reies Tijerina led the Chicano (Mexican American) land-rights movement in northern New Mexico from the 1950s through the ’70s. 

cesar
chavez

(1927–1993). American labor leader Cesar Chavez was instrumental in changing the working conditions of migrant workers on American farms.

Luis W.
Alvarez

(1911–88). The experimental physicist Luis W. Alvarez won the 1968 Nobel prize for physics for work that included the discovery of resonance particles.

Gabriela
Mistral

(1889-1957). Gabriela Mistral, pseudonym of Lucila Godoy Alcayaga, Chilean poet, who in 1945 became the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Reies
Tijerina

(1926–2015). American civil rights activist Reies Tijerina led the Chicano (Mexican American) land-rights movement in northern New Mexico from the 1950s through the ’70s. 

Roberto
Clemente

(1934-1972).  Roberto Clemente was a professional baseball player who was an idol in his native Puerto Rico and one of the first Latin American baseball stars in the United States.

Oscar
de la Renta

(1932–2014). In a career spanning 50 years, Dominican-born American fashion designer Oscar de la Renta helped define standards of elegant dressing.

Celia
Cruz

(1925–2003). Cuban American singer Celia Cruz electrified audiences with her wide-ranging, soulful voice and rhythmically compelling style. She was known as the “Queen of Salsa.” 

Nina
Otero Warren

(1881–1965). American activist Nina Otero-Warren fought for women’s suffrage in New Mexico. In 1922 she became the first Hispanic woman to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress. 

Roberto
Clemente

(1934-1972).  Roberto Clemente was a professional baseball player who was an idol in his native Puerto Rico and one of the first Latin American baseball stars in the United States.

Nina
Otero Warren

(1881–1965). American activist Nina Otero-Warren fought for women’s suffrage in New Mexico. In 1922 she became the first Hispanic woman to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress. 

Cesar Chavez, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; Nina Otero Warren, George Grantham Bain Collection/Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; Luis W. Alvarez, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Gabriela Mistral, Library of Congress; Roberto Clemente, UPI/Bettmann Archive; Celia Cruz, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; Reies Tijerina, University of New Mexico Libraries; Oscar de la Renta, Globe Photos/ZUMA Press/Alamy

Discover Latin America

People living in the United States who trace their roots to Latin America identify themselves in different ways, including as Latinos. In the singular, Latino refers to a man or boy, and Latina to a woman or girl. Recently, some people have started using the term Latinx to refer to anyone of Latin American ancestry, regardless of gender. In addition, Americans who are descendants of Spanish-speaking peoples may call themselves Hispanic Americans.
Bolivar square in Bogota, Colombia © Ilyshev Dmitry/Shutterstock.com

Discover Latin America

People living in the United States who trace their roots to Latin America identify themselves in different ways, including as Latinos. In the singular, Latino refers to a man or boy, and Latina to a woman or girl. Recently, some people have started using the term Latinx to refer to anyone of Latin American ancestry, regardless of gender. In addition, Americans who are descendants of Spanish-speaking peoples may call themselves Hispanic Americans.
Bolivar square in Bogota, Colombia © Ilyshev Dmitry/Shutterstock.com

Lessons & Activities

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, delve into the rich tapestry of Hispanic American and Latinx culture with interactive activities, curated Britannica lessons, graphic organizers, and more.
ACTIVITY 1

Lesson Plan:
Cultural Celebration Report & Presentation

This engaging lesson plan is designed to help students expand their horizons as they research different traditions, customs, and cultures, then present their findings and share a fun cultural artifact with the class. 

ACTIVITY 2

Interactive Lesson:
Biographies of independence

In this LaunchPacks lesson, students will learn about the history of Latin America, including colonization, independence movements, and important historical figures and events.

As they go about their lesson, have them take notes and answer the following points:

  • What was the impact of colonization on Latin America? 
  • What are some of the distinct characteristics of Indigenous American communities and the first Europeans who moved to the Americas?
  • Who were the key figures involved in the independence movement?
  • What factors motivated these figures and others in the Spanish colonies to fight for independence?

Bring Hispanic Heritage to Your Classroom

We’re featuring over 200 notable Hispanic and Latinx Americans who have shaped our history. Encourage students to investigate their biographies — organized by eight fields — and discover limitless possibilities.

Modern History Makers

From government leaders to sports figures, these modern-day heroes have already made their mark on history. Explore curated collections of Britannica School articles and multimedia featuring these important figures and so many others who continue to pave the way.

Information sourced from Britannica School. Not a subscriber? Contact us to learn more. 

Sonia Sotomayor

Supreme Court Justice

Laurie Hernandez

Gymnast

Ellen Ochoa

Astronaut and Engineer

Bad Bunny

Singer and Songwriter

Gaby Pacheco

Immigration Reform Activist

Jorge Ramos

Journalist

Sonia Sotomayor, Stacey Ilyse Photography/The White House; Lionel Messi, Addesolen; Jorge Ramos, Alan Diaz/AP Images; Bad Bunny, Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment; Ellen Ochoa, NASA; Gaby Pacheco, Jacquelyn Martin—AP/Shutterstock.com; Carmello Anthony, David Zalubowski—AP/Shutterstock.com

Explore More

Uncover quick links to a diverse range of engaging topics that will empower your students with a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture, history, and achievements. These resources seamlessly integrate into your lesson plans, allowing you to cultivate understanding, elevate learning, and celebrate achievements.

Spanish-American War, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; Pecan Shellers’ Strike, Grant Heilman/Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; Mendez V. Westminster, Franz Jantzen/Supreme Court of the United States; Salsa Dancing, 1001 Nights/Getty Images; Day of the Dead, © Marketa Novakova/Dreamstime.com; Vieques Island, Smilesb/Getty Images; Latin American Literature, Olaser/Getty Images; Propostition 187, David Prasad

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