Nevada State AFL-CIO Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month

Las Vegas, Nev. — September 15 marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Susie Martinez, the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Nevada State AFL-CIO, released the following statement to mark the month: 

“Every year, from September 15th to October 15th, our nation marks Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to reflect and honor the diverse people of Hispanic and Latin American origin and all they have done to serve our country. 

Within the labor movement, Latino Americans have led the charge in the fight for workers’ rights. Our community has secured better pay, improved benefits, humane working conditions, and so much more for our union brothers and sisters, oftentimes putting our lives on the line in the fight for fair treatment.

As a proud Latina, and the first Latina to be elected to the head of the Nevada State AFL-CIO, I know that Latino Americans are at the heart of the labor movement and that we are vital to the progress in the fight for working people and families. While we take time this month to honor how much we have already accomplished, we must also continue to organize and stand against injustices wherever they exist!”

Hispanic Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. 

September 15 starts the month, which runs through October 15, and is a significant date because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.