Johnson County recognizes history and culture during Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, taking place from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is a celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture.
Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 when President Johnson proclaimed the week including Sept. 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, President Reagan expanded the celebration to a month-long observance.
According to the 2020 Census, nearly 50,000 Johnson County residents identify as Hispanic, making up 8.14% of the population. This month is an opportunity to recognize the impact of our Hispanic and Latino community.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Johnson County
The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The event will run from 6-8 p.m. and feature musical performances, food samples, bike displays, a community art project and more. Admission is free and open to the public – no tickets required.
Johnson County is hosting activities highlighting Hispanic and Latino culture as well. A Walk and Read at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center Sept. 28-Oct. 6 will feature “Pepe and The Parade: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage.”
The Library is also hosting Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction: In Conversation with Bestselling Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. During the virtual event, the best-selling author Moreno-Garcia will discuss her creative process, inspirations and more. You can register online for the event.
Learn more about Hispanic and Latino culture and history
You can explore Latino history in our county through the Johnson County Museum’s virtual Latinos in the Heartland exhibit. The exhibit documents the Latino community, Johnson County’s fastest-growing population, and its deep roots in the Kansas City region.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is recognizing key Hispanic and Latino figures in the community. Learn about Erik Erazo’s efforts to build bridges in Olathe schools.
Additional Hispanic Heritage Month resources are available through the Library:
- For further reading, check out the Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month reading list.
- For further watching, check out Kanopy’s films curated for Hispanic Heritage Month – available for free with your library card.