Tuesday, September 19, 2023
What You Need to Know: Hispanic Heritage Month
September 1 always brings the beginning of a new swim season, but the month also provides opportunities for coaches, team leaders and LSCs to make lasting impacts on current and potential grassroots athletes.
We recognize Hispanic Heritage Month annually from September 15-October 15 to celebrate those with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. According to the 2021 Census, approximately 19% of all Americans – over 62 million people – are Hispanic Americans.
Uplifting the voices, histories, cultures, and contributions of all diverse communities within USA Swimming’s membership base is critically important. As we look to further enhance our diverse membership, we will continue to create opportunities and resources for all current and potential members. By recognizing and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, members can help USA Swimming provide support and education from the grassroots level to the Olympic stage.
Three Ways to Show Support
Learn
One way to show support during Hispanic Heritage Month is to learn about the different cultures, histories, and voices through outside sources such as books, television, movies, and podcasts about the Hispanic community. Looking for a more direct way to learn? Take advantage of your personal interactions and have conversations with members who are part of these communities. Bottom line – learning from others and educating ourselves is a great way to show support.
Explore
Sightseeing can be another great way to show support while learning more about the Hispanic community. Take time to visit a historical site or location in the United States dedicated to the preservation of Hispanic history and culture.
Celebrate
Every language, custom, and individual, within the Hispanic community is unique. While the Spanish language connects many of Hispanic and Latino people, language is just one aspect of this rich culture, and there is so much to learn and celebrate.
Celebratory months, like Hispanic Heritage Month, allow us to focus on specific communities who have been historically marginalized in society. USA Swimming believes it is important to recognize all communities throughout the year for their contributions to history, culture, and the world we swim in. To get more information on DEI resources available to members, please visit USA Swimming’s DEI website here.
We recognize Hispanic Heritage Month annually from September 15-October 15 to celebrate those with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. According to the 2021 Census, approximately 19% of all Americans – over 62 million people – are Hispanic Americans.
Uplifting the voices, histories, cultures, and contributions of all diverse communities within USA Swimming’s membership base is critically important. As we look to further enhance our diverse membership, we will continue to create opportunities and resources for all current and potential members. By recognizing and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, members can help USA Swimming provide support and education from the grassroots level to the Olympic stage.
Three Ways to Show Support
Learn
One way to show support during Hispanic Heritage Month is to learn about the different cultures, histories, and voices through outside sources such as books, television, movies, and podcasts about the Hispanic community. Looking for a more direct way to learn? Take advantage of your personal interactions and have conversations with members who are part of these communities. Bottom line – learning from others and educating ourselves is a great way to show support.
Explore
Sightseeing can be another great way to show support while learning more about the Hispanic community. Take time to visit a historical site or location in the United States dedicated to the preservation of Hispanic history and culture.
Celebrate
Every language, custom, and individual, within the Hispanic community is unique. While the Spanish language connects many of Hispanic and Latino people, language is just one aspect of this rich culture, and there is so much to learn and celebrate.
Celebratory months, like Hispanic Heritage Month, allow us to focus on specific communities who have been historically marginalized in society. USA Swimming believes it is important to recognize all communities throughout the year for their contributions to history, culture, and the world we swim in. To get more information on DEI resources available to members, please visit USA Swimming’s DEI website here.