Today we welcomed Celeste Felix from the Toledo Lucas County Public Library as our guest speaker. Ms. Felix gave us an amazing and informative presentation on Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15th - Oct. 15th).
Key Facts about U.S. Latinos (content courtesy of Ms. Felix’s presentation):
Hispanic Heritage month began celebrating our rich culture and heritage in 1968 by Congress. It was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in mid September, to coincides with national independence day in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica which celebrates theirs on September 15th, followed by Mexico on September 16, Chile on September 21. The U.S Hispanic population reached 62.1 million in 2020, up from 50.7 million in 2010. Hispanics (Latinx) the nation’s second fastest growing racial or ethnic group after Asian Americans. Hispanics (Latinx) account for 18% of the U.S. population. 41% of U.S. Hispanic adults ages 25 and older have at least some college, while 17% have a bachelors or more. 71% of Latinos ages 5 and older spoke English proficiently in 2018. Up from 59% in 2000. 4 in 5 Latinos are U.S. citizens. Roughly about 80% of Latinos living in this country are U.S. Citizens, up from 74% in 2010.In addition to learning about Hispanic Heritage Month, Ms. Felix spoke about the Lucas County Public Library and the many resources available to the community. A true wealth of knowledge, both Ms. Felix and the library are great resources for our community!