Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Shaping the Future

Every year from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a time to honor the roots of millions of people whose families come from Latin America, and to recognize the ways those roots have shaped the history and identity of the country.

The dates were chosen for a reason. September is when many Latin American countries won their independence, including Mexico, Chile, and several nations in Central America. The month reminds us that freedom, resilience, and unity are at the center of our shared story. What began in 1968 as a single week of recognition grew into a full month in 1988, reflecting how important Latino voices and contributions are to the fabric of everyday life in the United States.

Contributions That Shape a Nation

Today, Latinos make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population — and that share is growing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos are projected to account for over 25% of the U.S. population by 2060. In other words, the future of the country is inseparable from the future of its Latino community.

Our influence is everywhere:

• In agriculture and construction, where generations have built with hard work and resilience.
• In the automotive industry and commerce, strengthening the economy.
• In cutting-edge fields like science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.
• In arts, politics, and sports, inspiring millions with our voices and talents.

Hispanic Heritage Month is more than anniversaries or festivals. It is a reminder that our grandparents and parents paved the way with sacrifice, and now it is our responsibility to keep building — with pride, creativity, and strong roots.

The Present and the Future

Today, Latino Heritage Month is lived through celebrations, parades, music, and food festivals. Schools highlight the works of Latino writers and artists. Families share traditions at home, passing recipes and stories to the next generation. Museums and cultural centers host exhibitions that connect past struggles with present-day achievements. It is a month where communities come together to celebrate identity with pride and joy.

Looking ahead, this celebration is also about what is to come. Latino culture does not stand still. It grows, adapts, and continues to influence new generations. It is in the businesses being built, the art being created, and the traditions being reimagined so they stay alive for decades to come.

Why This Month Matters to Us

This year, the celebration feels especially meaningful to us at Erenzia. Our launch coincides with this month, and we see it as a way of joining the wider community in honoring where we come from and where we are going. At Erenzia, we believe heritage is not something you lock away. It is something you live every day — in the language you speak at home, the food you cook with your family, the stories passed down from your grandparents, and the way we open new paths for future generations.

Latino Heritage Month reminds us that the past is always present, and the future is ours to shape. Together, we celebrate not just where we come from, but how far we can go.