Article by Maureen McKinney
Our nation observes National Hispanic Heritage Month each year from September 15 to October 15. We do this to celebrate those of Hispanic heritage and all their contributions to our society. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Raíces y Resistencia: Honoring Our Past, Defending our future.” Hispanic heritage is celebrated around the world for its vibrant colors, passionate music, and, above all, its community-centric values.
This celebration was first observed in 1968 by Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week, then was expanded to a month by Ronald Reagan in 1988. These dates were chosen as September 15th is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. On September 16th, Mexico celebrates their independence, and Chile does on September 18th.
There are approximately 68 million people of Hispanic heritage in the United States, or about 20% of our total population. Fifteen states are home to 1 million or more, with Washington in 15th place with almost 14%. In Kittitas County, approximately 10.4% of our population has Hispanic lineage.
Hispanic people have influenced our lives in so many ways – culturally, musically, artistically, scientifically, historically, socially – the culinary influence alone is huge! It’s hard to imagine going through life without tacos, tamales, ropa vieja, pupusas, flan and other Hispanic delicacies. And don’t forget mezcal and tequila!
Famous Hispanic people have enhanced our country in myriad ways. A few examples are Nobel Prize winning chemist Jose Molina, Lin Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame, Pope Leo XIV, Rita Moreno of stage and screen, Cesar Chavez whose advocacy for farmworkers is legend, Jose Andres of World Central Kitchen, Bad Bunny a musical artist, Alexandra Occasion-Cortez in our House of Representatives, artist Frida Kahlo, and many, many more.
Yet, this year there is a sobering reality. With the increased presence of ICE, and their often unlawful tactics, many important celebrations have been dialed back or cancelled altogether. The chilling effects of these actions has left tangible fear – not only for the undocumented, but all Hispanic people and even mixed-status households. Immigrant services have been curtailed or canceled, leaving people with limited or no support. Many have left the workplace in fear of being rounded up. This increased, seemingly unregulated ICE activity has been horribly destabilizing for so many. Sadly, this may limit the usual joy and camaraderie found in Hispanic celebrations in America.
Because of this, I challenge everyone to celebrate and honor our Hispanic population this month – and always! We are all citizens of this country and this world. The more we can do to encompass and pay tribute to all our people from any background, the better our world will be for everyone. ¡Raíces y Resistencia!
This article co-published by the Ellensburg Daily Record Newspaper on September 20, 2025. Maureen McKinney helps chair Communications/Outreach for the League of Women Voters Kittitas County. She is retired and lives in the Manastash Canyon with her dog Belle. Living with wildlife (except for one rogue turkey!) in our beautiful county is her happy place.