Every year, from September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a special time to recognize the rich cultures and incredible contributions of Hispanic Americans. Hispanic heritage is not one-size-fits-all; it’s a vibrant blend of Indigenous, African, and European influences. From the rhythms of salsa and mariachi to the flavors of tacos and arepas, it’s a living, breathing tapestry of cultures.
The Celebrating Hispanic Heritage collection from eMediaVA does a wonderful job of illustrating the lives and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Here are five standout resources to share with your students:
- Ynés Mexía | Unladylike2020: Meet a pioneering botanist, explorer, and environmentalist whose work helped shape the field of natural science (6-12).
- Rita Moreno | Latino Representation: Learn about the groundbreaking, award-winning actor who paved the way for future generations in Hollywood (6-12).
- Manny Gonzalez | Relish: Discover how this chef creates his famous sandwiches and the cultural traditions behind them (3-12).
- Gustavo Romero | Relish: Explore food heritage as Gustavo teaches how to make tamales, a dish rich with family and cultural history (3-12).
- Cesar Chavez | Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: Introduce students to the labor and civil rights leader whose efforts in the farm workers movement transformed conversations about worker rights (K-5).
These are just a few highlights from the collection — and you’ll likely find resources that connect directly to your standards.
This month, let’s go beyond the surface. Read a book by a Hispanic author, listen to new music, or try a recipe you haven’t tasted before. Together, we can help students celebrate one of the many heritages that make our country more vibrant and full of life.
Sarah Finch is an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher in Sussex County Public Schools (VA) and a 2025-2026 eMediaVA Ambassador.