COVID-19 Impact on Hispanic & Latinx Communities

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time not only to recognize the history of Hispanic and Latinx Americans, but also to discuss current issues facing the community, like COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic is disproportionately impacting Hispanic and Latinx communities across America. For example, the CDC found that while non-black Hispanic Americans make up 17% of the population, they make up 25% of COVID-19 deaths. In addition, a Pew Research studyfound that Hispanic Americans are particularly hard hit economically by the pandemic. Trexler Library has gathered a number of articles on this disparity on the Coronavirus Impact tab of our National Hispanic Heritage Month guide. 

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15-October 15 each year and recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United State. The celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was expanded to a month in 1988. September 15 was chosen as the starting point to recognize the five Hispanic countries that declared independence on September 15, 1821: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their own independence days shortly after, on September 16, 18, and 21 respectively. For more information, see hispanicheritagemonth.gov.