What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean for us?

Hispanic Heritage Month has arrived, and at The LIBRE Initiative, we’re eager to highlight the countless stories of Latino achievements and their impact on America. But let’s pause for a moment and consider: Why is this month significant? Why should Latinos take note? 

Latino roots, American dreams 

Hispanic Heritage Month matters because it showcases Latinos’ unique heritage and their important role in shaping American history.  

Latinos are one of America’s most (if not the most) diverse demographic groups. Yet, Hispanic history shows a striking commonality that goes beyond all the differences: a commitment to defend the core principles that built America and turned it into a shining beacon of freedom for the whole world.   

For generations, Latinos have lived, enjoyed, and defended the freedoms and values that are at the core of America’s success.  

That commitment to freedom and liberty is not only a historical fact but a current reality.  

You can see that commitment in the dozens of thousands of Latino business owners who create countless jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the economy.  You can see that pride in the hundreds of thousands of active-duty Hispanics who serve in the military.  

And it makes sense. 

The story of many Latino families is one of people escaping from countries where political or economic freedom was a dream. Many came to America to escape overarching governments that told them what to think, what to do, and how to run their businesses and would punish them if they did not comply.  

They fled oppression and poverty to a land where liberty is a way of life. And once here, they worked hard and built a prosperous life that belonged to them, not to an authoritarian politician. 

Defending the American experiment  

Only in America can people from all different backgrounds come, work hard, and build a life for themselves. That’s why Latinos fight hard to keep the American experiment alive and well.   

Does this mean Latinos are not proud of their unique heritage and culture? No, not by a long shot.  

But Latinos are even more proud of their place in the history of the greatest country in human history, the United States of America.  

And that’s why Hispanic Heritage Month is important. 

It’s an opportunity to show how Latinos are committed to this project that began on a hot summer day in 1776 and that has not only survived but thrived, over the last 250 years.  

In difficult times like these, when Latinos are worried that the American Dream is no longer a real possibility for most, remembering the greatness of this country is critical.   

That’s also the reason why The LIBRE Initiative was founded more than ten years ago. We are committed to mobilize the Latino community to defend economic freedom and ensure millions of Americans have the opportunity to live their American Dream.  

The LIBRE Initiative will hold many events during Hispanic Heritage Month; stay tuned to our website to learn if there’s an event near you.  

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