Community leaders reflect on Hispanic identity as heritage month begins

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of Hispanic communities in America.

The Garden State is home to long-established communities from numerous Caribbean, Central and South American nations. It is home to more than 2 million people of Hispanic or Latino origin, representing 21.6% of the state’s population, according to the 2020 Census.

Hispanic Heritage Month, or HHM, was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 as a week-long observance, providing an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and participate in rich traditions and engage through dance, music, culinary and other artistic expressions.

In 1988, President Reagan expanded Hispanic Heritage observances to a month-long celebration, running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The dates coin