Monday, September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to pay tribute to the Hispanic and U.S. Latino population and their positive contributions to our union, communities and country. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Spain. At the UFCW, we take pride in recognizing the vital role our Hispanic and Latino members play in strengthening our union, workplaces and communities.

Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.

This year’s theme is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.”  The theme reminds us that the legacy of those who came before us–their struggles, achievements, culture, and values–lays a foundation for what we build together today and tomorrow.

Why This Theme Matters to Us:

• Honoring the past means recognizing the often-unheard stories of Hispanic and Latino/a/x workers whose organizing efforts and contributions in every job and community have made gains possible for all of us.
• Inspiring the future demands that we carry forward their legacy. It means mentoring, organizing, advocating, and ensuring the next generation has opportunities to thrive and lead.
• Collective heritage is not just cultural; it’s also about the shared struggles in workplaces: fair pay, safe working conditions, dignity, voice. Our union’s mission has always been entwined with these.

History:

The origins of this celebration date back to President Lyndon Johnson, who first established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968.  In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law in 1988, and the start date of September 15 was chosen for the celebration because it marks the anniversary of independence for a number of Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18.

As we honor this month, let us uplift the voices, stories and leadership of our Latino members who continue to shape the labor movement and build a stronger, more inclusive future for all.