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Hispanic Heritage Month
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the diversity that makes America stronger,
and we recognize the many ways Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation.

Click here to download the 2009 TCA Hispanic Heritage Month Newsletter which highlights entertaining and educational programs showcasing Hispanic heritage in America. Programmers include CNN, Biography, History, HBO Latino, Discovery Channel and Univision.

Hispanic Heritage Month Programming Highlight

For two nights, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien journeys into the homes and hearts of a minority group destined to change America. Is it the ultimate clash of cultures? Or is it the ultimate melting pot? Witness the evolution of a country as Latinos remake America, and in return, America remakes them.

“Los Garcia: The Garcias of America” — October 21, 8 PM - 10 PM (CST)
“Chasing the American Dream” — October 22, 8 PM - 10 PM (CST)

Learn more and watch the Latino in America trailer.

Hispanic Heritage Month History

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Read the 2009 Presidential Proclamation.

(Provided by US Census Bureau)

46.9 million
The estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2008, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constituted 15 percent of the nation’s total population. In addition, there are approximately 4 million residents of Puerto Rico.

More than 1
. . . of every two people added to the nation’s population between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2008, was Hispanic. There were 1.5 million Hispanics added to the population during the period.

132.8 million
The projected Hispanic population of the United States on July 1, 2050. According to this projection, Hispanics will constitute 30 percent of the nation’s population by that date.

2nd
Ranking of the size of the U.S. Hispanic population worldwide, as of 2008. Only Mexico (110 million) had a larger Hispanic population than the United States (46.9 million).

Click here for more facts.