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Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

MCCR Statement on Recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month

Press Release | December 23, 2025

Updated:

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and its Board of Commissioners regularly recognize special emphasis commemorations. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Hispanic and Latino community. Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988. 

Changing from one week to a month, the four weeks of national recognition aim to acknowledge the culture and contributions of a vibrant, multifaceted, multiethnic group of people, proud of their roots — whether from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America or Spain. The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers has selected the theme of “Esperanza” or Hope for the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, which invites us to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. Hope to manage and mitigate this global pandemic, hope for resolution on immigration, hope for more accessibility laws, and hope for better understanding, acceptance, and valuing of everyone in our society. During this Hispanic Heritage Month, learn more about Afro-Latino culture, take in a mariachi, salsa or tango performance, learn about Hispanics achievement in STEM or attend a local festival in Maryland and/or DMV area. 

One notable event is at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Md., holding its 32nd annual Latin American Film Festival (click here to register) from Sept. 23 through Oct. 13, featuring movies from Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Bolivia and more. 

Look for your local community events and for additional information of other activities throughout Maryland go to the links below.

In these difficult times, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and its Board of Commissioners are united in celebrating all cultures, and also in resolving anti-discrimination through enforcement of the State’s anti-discrimination laws, and through public outreach and education.