1. Hispanic Heritage Month

2. Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens of Hispanic descent
Is a month-long celebration: September 15- October 15
Established as National Hispanic Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson
Expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan

3. Latino: a person of Latin American origin or descent, including Brazil but not Spain
Hispanic: a Spanish-speaking person of Latin American descent, not including Brazil
20 Spanish-speaking countries, as well as Puerto Rico
Spanish is the second most spoken native language in the world

4. Independence day
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama- September 15
Mexico- September 16
Chile- September 18
Columbus Day- second Monday in October (October 12)

5. Facts Hispanics account for about 17% of the entire U.S. population
There are about 57 million Hispanics in the United States
California, Texas, Florida, New York and Illinois are the states with the largest Hispanic/Latino population

6. South Carolina
Greenville County has the largest Hispanic population in the Upstate of SC
There about 45,000 Hispanics in Greenville County
Spartanburg County has the second-largest Hispanic population in the Upstate of SC
The Hispanic-American Women’s Association works to increase educational opportunities for Hispanic students in the Upstate
Each year, AHAM organizes the International Festival to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
The South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce promotes the economic growth of Hispanic businesses in the sate