Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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On April 26, 2021, a little over one year after the 2020 census count began, the survey’s first data points were released to the public. Among this first round of information was a list of the states that were set to gain seats in the House of Representatives (Texas, Florida, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon) and those who will lose them (California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia). These gains and losses will potentially have major effects on the midterm elections, as Democrats are now poised to lose their narrow advantage in the house.
The allocation of House seats is not the only major decision the United States will be making based on census data over the next decade. In fact, dozens of decisions, both on the federal and local levels, from policy to budget, will be made based on the once-a-decade count. To mark the release of the first bits of this new data, Stacker compiled a list of 10 different decisions that are made based on the U.S. Census Bureau data using news and government reports. Read on to find out how major of a role this constitutionally mandated count plays in the running and shaping of our country.
On April 26, 2021, a little over one year after the 2020 census count began, the survey’s first data points were released to the public. Among this first round of information was a list of the states that were set to gain seats in the House of Representatives (Texas, Florida, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon) and those who will lose them (California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia). These gains and losses will potentially have major effects on the midterm elections, as Democrats are now poised to lose their narrow advantage in the house.
The allocation of House seats is not the only major decision the United States will be making based on census data over the next decade. In fact, dozens of decisions, both on the federal and local levels, from policy to budget, will be made based on the once-a-decade count. To mark the release of the first bits of this new data, Stacker compiled a list of 10 different decisions that are made based on the U.S. Census Bureau data using news and government reports. Read on to find out how major of a role this constitutionally mandated count plays in the running and shaping of our country.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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Arguably the most important thing done with the census data is apportionment or the process of dividing the 435 seats in the House of Representatives among all 50 states. While the total number of House seats is fixed, the number granted to each state can, and does, change depending on population size. This method and process of representation is laid out in Article I section 2 of the United States Constitution.
Scott Wurzel // Shutterstock
Arguably the most important thing done with the census data is apportionment or the process of dividing the 435 seats in the House of Representatives among all 50 states. While the total number of House seats is fixed, the number granted to each state can, and does, change depending on population size. This method and process of representation is laid out in Article I section 2 of the United States Constitution.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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In 1964 two U.S. Supreme Court cases declared that congressional districts and state legislative districts must be drawn as equally as possible so that every citizen has a fair and equal say in the way they are governed. Today, the geographically detailed census data is used for redistricting and helps to ensure that the votes of every citizen carry the same weight.
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In 1964 two U.S. Supreme Court cases declared that congressional districts and state legislative districts must be drawn as equally as possible so that every citizen has a fair and equal say in the way they are governed. Today, the geographically detailed census data is used for redistricting and helps to ensure that the votes of every citizen carry the same weight.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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Final census counts are used to allocate some $900 billion in federal funds via direct payments, grants, loans, and loan guarantees. The raw data collected by the Census Bureau is used in formulas that determine how much programs like Medicaid, Federal Direct Student Loans, SNAP, Section 8 Housing, and others receive over the next decade. Undercounting the number of residents in a given state can often lead to underfunding these programs, which could potentially mean that citizens who are in genuine need won’t receive the help they require.
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Final census counts are used to allocate some $900 billion in federal funds via direct payments, grants, loans, and loan guarantees. The raw data collected by the Census Bureau is used in formulas that determine how much programs like Medicaid, Federal Direct Student Loans, SNAP, Section 8 Housing, and others receive over the next decade. Undercounting the number of residents in a given state can often lead to underfunding these programs, which could potentially mean that citizens who are in genuine need won’t receive the help they require.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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The census acts as a basis for annual federal surveys, like the American Community Survey or the Current Population Survey, which are also used to help allocate federal, state, and local government funds. The Population Estimates Program combines data from the decennial U.S. census with birth, death, and migration rates to provide more accurate and timely population and housing estimates. These estimates are then used as the foundation for these additional surveys, which help ensure the basic needs of all Americans are met year after year.
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The census acts as a basis for annual federal surveys, like the American Community Survey or the Current Population Survey, which are also used to help allocate federal, state, and local government funds. The Population Estimates Program combines data from the decennial U.S. census with birth, death, and migration rates to provide more accurate and timely population and housing estimates. These estimates are then used as the foundation for these additional surveys, which help ensure the basic needs of all Americans are met year after year.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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The U.S. census and related surveys, like the American Community Survey, are frequently used by communities for planning purposes. Cities use the collected data to determine the need for things like additional hospitals, schools, and highways. Similarly, counties base planning and zoning decisions around the count’s findings.
The U.S. census and related surveys, like the American Community Survey, are frequently used by communities for planning purposes. Cities use the collected data to determine the need for things like additional hospitals, schools, and highways. Similarly, counties base planning and zoning decisions around the count’s findings.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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In the same way, corporations and businesses use the decennial census as they make decisions about future moves. Companies use the information to determine whether or not a specific community will provide a return on investment when it comes to advertising, or where to locate new stores and distribution centers.
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In the same way, corporations and businesses use the decennial census as they make decisions about future moves. Companies use the information to determine whether or not a specific community will provide a return on investment when it comes to advertising, or where to locate new stores and distribution centers.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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As more Americans move to coastal areas, and as climate change fuels an increase in extreme weather events in these areas, it’s more important than ever before for communities to have emergency response plans in place. The census counts help local governments and first responders ensure that they have adequate plans in place as well as enough funding set aside to cover the potential damages.
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As more Americans move to coastal areas, and as climate change fuels an increase in extreme weather events in these areas, it’s more important than ever before for communities to have emergency response plans in place. The census counts help local governments and first responders ensure that they have adequate plans in place as well as enough funding set aside to cover the potential damages.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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The census is used to help determine the distribution of various health conditions, like cancer, heart disease, and obesity, across the United States. This information is then used by public health officials to target interventions and wellness programs in the communities that need them most. Without complete data, epidemics may remain overlooked and unaddressed, leaving many without the healthcare they so desperately need.
Jason Finn // Shutterstock
The census is used to help determine the distribution of various health conditions, like cancer, heart disease, and obesity, across the United States. This information is then used by public health officials to target interventions and wellness programs in the communities that need them most. Without complete data, epidemics may remain overlooked and unaddressed, leaving many without the healthcare they so desperately need.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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When it comes to determining the cost of the country’s Social Security needs, Congress uses data gathered by the census committee as a baseline for their demographic projections. If these initial counts are off, then the amount allocated for these payouts may be short, leaving many citizens without the money they count on.
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
When it comes to determining the cost of the country’s Social Security needs, Congress uses data gathered by the census committee as a baseline for their demographic projections. If these initial counts are off, then the amount allocated for these payouts may be short, leaving many citizens without the money they count on.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September
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Finally, the census is used to determine whether or not states are complying with laws like the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, and other anti-discrimination or affirmative action laws. For example, race data is used to ensure funds are being appropriately allocated in regards to the Bilingual Education Act and the Public Health Service Act. The data that is gathered about an individual’s race is also used to plan and fund programs that provide services for specific groups, like the Indian Health Services program.
Finally, the census is used to determine whether or not states are complying with laws like the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, and other anti-discrimination or affirmative action laws. For example, race data is used to ensure funds are being appropriately allocated in regards to the Bilingual Education Act and the Public Health Service Act. The data that is gathered about an individual’s race is also used to plan and fund programs that provide services for specific groups, like the Indian Health Services program.
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins Wednesday and will run through Oct. 15, giving the United States an opportunity to recognize and celebrate members of our communities and their ancestors who hail from Mexico, parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America and Spain.
“The Latino community and Latino history is a fundamental part of American history,” said Emily Key, director of education at the Smithsonian Latino Center. “And recognizing that and understanding that are key reasons why this month is important.”
Here’s why America commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month and what you should know about it.
The history
Rather than starting at the beginning of September, Hispanic Heritage Month takes place over 30 days starting on the 15th — a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all recognize Sept. 15 as the date of their independence, while Mexico’s independence is celebrated Sept. 16 and Chile celebrates its independence Sept. 18.
In the inaugural proclamation, he wrote of the “great contribution to our national heritage made by our people of Hispanic descent — not only in the fields of culture, business, and science, but also through their valor in battle.”
“That was a period for sure, when Chicanos in the Southwest, Mexican Americans, Latinos across the country were demanding greater inclusion and representation politically, culturally, socially, economically — everything,” said Geraldo Cadava, professor of history and Latina and Latino Studies at Northwestern University and author of “The Hispanic Republican.”
“It was a demand for greater inclusion and representation and acknowledgment that Latinos play an important role in the United States,” he said.
It wasn’t until nearly 20 years later that Hispanic Heritage Week was lengthened to an entire month under President Ronald Reagan.
Rep. Esteban Torres of California had submitted a bill to expand it, saying in remarks at the time, “We want the public to know that we share a legacy with the rest of the country, a legacy that includes artists, writers, Olympic champions, and leaders in business, government, cinema, and science.”
Torres’ bill died in committee, but Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois submitted a similar bill that Reagan signed into law.
The contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to the United States are long and storied: Key pointed out that the first known colony in America was not Jamestown, but the Spanish colony of St. Augustine in Florida.
“Hispanics or Latinos … have fought in every war since the American Revolution,” she said. “They are business owners and veterans and teachers and public servants.”
She added, “Latinos are Americans, and they form part of this American fabric.”
A growing population
But Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance for the country to acknowledge not only the rich history of its diverse Hispanic communities, but who they are today, said Felix Sanchez, chairman of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts.
“Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to update the American people as to who Latinos are today,” he said, “to provide a contemporary context for all of our communities that are very different, that are part of the Latino ecosystem.”
Part of that contemporary context is the fact that Hispanics and Latinos make up an increasing portion of the overall U.S. population.
The 2020 U.S. Census showed that Hispanics and Latinos make up a fast-growing, multiracial group: In 2020, 62.1 million people identified as Hispanic or Latino — 18% of the U.S. population. That number had grown 23% since 2010. Comparatively, the U.S. population not of Hispanic or Latino origin grew just 4.3%, census data shows.
Between 2010 and 2020, just over half of the total U.S. population growth — 51.1% — was due to growth among Hispanics or Latinos, per the Census Bureau.
This growth is just another reason why Hispanic Heritage Month is important, Key said. “If you’re 18% or so of the population, then you should also have representation, and we should celebrate and understand these communities that make up a large portion of the country’s population.”
Observing Hispanic Heritage Month
There are lots of ways to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month, whether it’s engaging with books, films, documentaries — suggestions from Cadava include PBS’ documentary series on Latino America or the podcast “Latino USA” — or live programming related to Hispanics and Latinos and their history in the United States.
“If that means in your local community, going to a Mexican Independence parade, of which there are many across the country, you should do that,” he said.
Alternatively, museums like the Smithsonian have events and online learning resources for families to use as guided learning on Latinos and their communities, including profiles of Latino patriots in military history. People can also visit local museums, she said, that have Latino content and collections.
Or you can just speak with people in your neighborhood, Key said. “Talk to a friend, talk to a classmate, talk to a neighbor, talk to your grocer, or your local restaurant where you get your favorite tacos,” she said.
“People like to share about their culture and their communities. … Learn about who they are and why they are in the neighborhoods they’re in, and discover that we probably share more in common than we think.”
It’s important to note, experts said, that you can recognize and acknowledge that heritage at all times of the year, outside of the 30-day period between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month is a “month of introduction” or an “entry point,” Key said, to learn more about your neighbors, classmates and colleagues and their heritage.
“Ideally, Hispanic Heritage Month would be unnecessary,” Cadava said, adding, “Do you need a month that is essentially American History Month, when Latino heritage, Hispanic heritage and American heritage meant the same thing?”
Sanchez echoed that, telling CNN, “Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for both the Latino community to reinforce its accomplishments but also to extend beyond the Latino community, to remind all Americans that we are American.”
