Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15 in the United States and recognizes the contributions of Hispanics to the country's culture and society. The month was originally established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and it was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.

Today, Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States with a population of over 60 million people. Hispanics comprise a significant portion of the workforce in many industries, including agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. They also play a vital role in the U.S. economy, contributing over $2.8 trillion in GDP annually.

The term Hispanic represents a Spanish-speaking person living in the U.S., especially one of Latin American descent. It is an umbrella term that covers people of many different backgrounds and cultures. Even though Hispanic is widely used, there are some that might prefer terms such as Latino, Latina, Latinx, or Latine. Some of these terms are used to be more inclusive to gender non-conforming individuals (Latinx/Latine). It is important to be respectful of people's identities and to use the language that they prefer.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of Hispanic people in the United States, and there are many ways to celebrate . Here are a few ideas:

• Educate yourself and others about Hispanic culture and history: The more we know about each other's cultures, the better we can understand and appreciate each other. There are many resources available online to learn more about Hispanic culture. Try attending a festival or organizing a field trip to a local Hispanic museum or cultural center. You can also visit www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov for more information on HHM.

• Challenge stereotypes and discrimination: If you see or hear someone making a negative stereotype or discriminatory remark about Hispanic people, speak up. It is important to stand up for what is right and to help create a more inclusive society.

• Learn more about Hispanic Disciples – Obra Hispana: In 1981, the first assembly of the National Hispanic and Bilingual Fellowship took place at the Downey Avenue Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana under the theme “Somos Uno” – “We are One”. The assembly represented 24 Hispanic congregations. In 1992, the Central Pastoral Office on Hispanic Ministries was established as an independent organization within the general church. In 2018, Rev. Lori Tapia was elected as the first woman to lead the Obra Hispana and is still serving in this role today. For more information on Obra Hispana, please visit www.obrahispana.org.

• Learn more about Iglesia Cristiana (Discípulos de Cristo) en Puerto Rico: El Avivamento del 33 was a revival in Puerto Rico in 1933 where Puerto Ricans found deeper faith and eventually created self-sufficient churches and leadership in Puerto Rico. In November 2021, Rev. Hilda E. Robles Florán was the first woman called to serve as General Pastor of Iglesia Cristiana (Discípulos de Cristo) en Puerto Rico. To learn more about Iglesia Cristiana (Discípulos de Cristo) en Puerto Rico go to www.discipulospr.org.

Hispanics have made major contributions to the United States in all areas of life. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we can honor their contributions, appreciate Hispanic culture, and continue to support their progress in the U.S. Pension Fund celebrates with you. We have been paying attention as to how to serve our Spanish speaking members, churches, and clergy better. In doing so, we have added more bilingual personnel and as of now have five fully bilingual employees – with three serving in the Member Relations department. We are also in the middle of a major forms translation project that will make enrollments, updates, and other transactions more accessible to our Spanish-preferred members.