2018 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH THEME ANNOUNCED

Washington, D.C., March 28, 2018 — The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM), announced the 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month theme: “Hispanics: One Endless Voice to Enhance our Traditions.”  The theme invites us to reflect on Hispanic American’s tradition, history and culture.

The announcement was made during the Council’s March monthly meeting. NCHEPM members, associates, and partners from various federal agencies and affinity groups, including the general public, selected the theme through a voting process, which started in February 2018 with than 10 theme submissions.

Aissha Hernandez-Ramos from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in San Juan, Puerto Rico submitted the winning theme, stating “Although Hispanics share so much, we do also have very unique characteristics; and that, enhances us as a group.  Our traditions will always be part of who we are.  As our history shapes our character; culture defines our beauty; and traditions will enhance our future.  History, culture and traditions define us; and we maintain alive because of that.  We will keep talking to the world, we will let them know we are here, with our history and culture, as we will keep raising our voice with all we are: a legacy of traditions.”

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

The Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.  It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The NCHEPM is a membership-based organization consisting of an executive board, members, associates, and partners from multiple Federal agencies and other organizations from across the United States, advocating for the improvement of Hispanic participation in the Federal Government.

For more information about the Council, please visit www.nationalcouncilhepm.org