Friend — Feliz Mes de la Herencia Latinx, Happy Latinx Heritage Month!

Latinx Heritage Month (LHM), also known as Hispanic Heritage Month, is a time to honor and celebrate Latinx people, culture, and power, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Originally introduced as "Hispanic Heritage Week" in 1968, it was later expanded to cover a 30-day period that runs from September 15 through October 15. LHM begins mid-month in recognition of the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua — who all gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days in September, on the 16 and 18, respectively.

LCV is showing our appreciation by sharing resources for education and celebration of the Latinx leaders, activists, and communities who have historically and continuously led the fight for climate justice and social justice. We are also showcasing our Chispa program and the amazing work Chispa staff do year-round and, most recently, throughout Latinx Heritage Month.
 
Here are some highlights from Chispa this month!

• On September 15, LCV's Chispa kicked off LHM with the launch of their new website — check it out here.
• As part of LHM, and under the theme of "Celebrando Our Power," Chispa is highlighting the work of each Chispa state affiliate and releasing exciting content each week that encourages people to take climate action.
• Chispa National Communications & Creative Strategies Director Pita Juarez spoke at an event held by Maryland Sierra Club, Chispa Maryland, and Eco Moms to celebrate Latinx leaders and discuss how environmental injustices disproportionately impact Latinx communities.
• Yesterday a new video was released, Children Are The Future. Watch it here »
• And, a new petition was launched to Tell Congress to take climate action NOW!

Chispa has been working tirelessly to bring clean air and environmental justice to communities across the country — especially communities of color who are 61% more likely to live in a county with unhealthy air. Chispa has fought environmental racism by organizing, developing deep relationships within communities, elevating Latinx leaders, influencing policymakers, and pressuring polluters to make changes to protect communities' right to clean air.
  Take action now to fight for clean air with Chispa by electrifying our nation's school buses — ensuring kids no longer have to breathe in poisoned air in order to get an education »
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Using the resources below, you can learn more about the rich history and many cultures within the Latinx community, as well as the relationship between Latinx communities and the climate crisis. You can also participate in upcoming virtual events (listed below) for the whole family!

Resources for learning:

• Article: 5 Latino-Led Labor Strikes That Championed Rights for American Workers
• Online Exhibit: National Archives Records of Rights exhibition
• Ted Talks: 10 great TED Talks by Hispanic and Latinx speakers for Hispanic Heritage Month
• Article: What A 1921 Texas Flood Tells Us About The Latino Climate Struggle Today
• Article: Latino Communities and the Climate Crisis

Celebrations and Virtual Events:

• Young Portrait Explorers
• Celebration of Children's and YA Latin American and Latinx Literature
• Green 2.0 : Latinx Youth Leading the Environmental Movement
• Día de los Muertos Virtual Family Celebration (outside of LHM but you don't want to miss it!)

Thank you for celebrating and honoring Latinx Heritage Month with us today, friend. And, don't forget to follow Chispa's Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay involved and up to date with their critical work.

Sincerely,
LCV Membership Team