• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
Community Library Logo
Search
  • Search the CATALOG for books and more
  • Search the CALENDAR for programs and events
  • Search the WEBSITE for general information
  • I Want To
    • Use My Library Account
    • Get a Library Card
    • Reserve a Room
    • Find Books and More
    • Renew or Place a Hold
    • Request an Item
    • Digital Collections
    • Computers and Printing
    • Ask a Librarian
  • Visit
  • Use the Library
    • Books, eBooks, and More
    • Children’s and Young Adult Library
    • Research and Learn
    • Center for Regional History
    • Computers and Printing
    • Reserve a Room
    • Library Policies
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Events/Programs
    • Calendar of Events
    • Program Archive
    • The Community Library Book Club
  • Wood River Museum
    • Wood River Museum Exhibits
    • Wood River Museum Past Exhibits
    • SV Winter Sports Hall of Fame
    • Museum History
  • Hemingway
    • Hemingway House and Preserve
    • Writer-in-Residence Program
    • Ernest Hemingway Seminar
  • Our Story
    • Staff and Board of Trustees
    • Library Blog
    • Newsletters and Reports
    • Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
    • Gold Mine Stores
Give and Support
  • The Community Library
  • Gold Mine Stores
  • Center for Regional History
    • Wood River Museum
    • Hemingway in Idaho
    • Regional History Reading Room
    • Historic Photographs
The Community Library Association
  • The Community Library
  • Gold Mine Stores
  • Center for Regional History
  • Get a library card
  • I want to
    I Want To
    • Use My Library Account
    • Reserve a Room
    • Find Books and More
    More
    • Renew or Place a Hold
    • Request an Item
    • Use Our Digital Collections
    • Use a Computer/Print/Scan
    • Ask a Librarian
Community Library Logo
  • I Want To
    • Use My Library Account
    • Get a Library Card
    • Reserve a Room
    • Find Books and More
    • Renew or Place a Hold
    • Request an Item
    • Digital Collections
    • Computers and Printing
    • Ask a Librarian
  • Visit
  • Use the Library
    • Books, eBooks, and More
    • Children’s and Young Adult Library
    • Research and Learn
    • Center for Regional History
    • Computers and Printing
    • Reserve a Room
    • Library Policies
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Events/Programs
    • Calendar of Events
    • Program Archive
    • The Community Library Book Club
  • Wood River Museum
    • Wood River Museum Exhibits
    • Wood River Museum Past Exhibits
    • SV Winter Sports Hall of Fame
    • Museum History
  • Hemingway
    • Hemingway House and Preserve
    • Writer-in-Residence Program
    • Ernest Hemingway Seminar
  • Our Story
    • Staff and Board of Trustees
    • Library Blog
    • Newsletters and Reports
    • Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
    • Gold Mine Stores
Search
  • Search the CATALOG for books and more
  • Search the CALENDAR for programs and events
  • Search the WEBSITE for general information
Give & Support

The “Grito” (Shout) Heard Around the World

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

By Janet Ross-Heiner, Librarian and English Language Learning Instructor

Janet Ross-Heiner and Eduardo Chavez,
film director and social justice advocate,
at The Community Library, 2023

In Mexican-American communities, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins with the shout that marks the start of the Mexican Revolution—the grito (shout) heard around the world. In the flag, colors of crimson red and earthy green flank the image of the eagle with the serpent in its clutches. Folks celebrate Mexican Independence Day each year on September 16, donning these national colors, and holding elote (corn) in one hand and agua fresca (cool water) in the other.

This same scene unfolds throughout the United States with different foods and different colors depending on the specific Hispanic community. Each celebration is undeniably unique.

As we celebrate and honor the heritage of the people throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we must also do the important work of understanding how and why the distinct histories of a multinational, multicultural, and multilingual group of communities were consolidated into Hispanic heritage in the first place.

For example, the term Hispanic was a term that was initiated for census brochures. Then Latino/a became a focus because it is more inclusive with Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Now LatinX furthers the language to include youth and LGBTIQA+.

As someone who falls under the definition of Hispanic, I know that personal identities and labels can shift. Some may identify as Hispanic, while others will identify as LatinX or Mexican American.

Understanding the history behind these shifting identifications—and particularly the history of the word Hispanic—can help us better understand the challenges this term has created.

Viva México, Central America, and Caribé!

Find recommended reading on Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2023).

Filed Under: Fresh from the Stacks

Primary Sidebar

Comlib

Support the Library

The Community Library’s free resources and services reflect the generosity of community members like you!
Donate
Gold Mine Stores
Volunteer

The Community Library

Location

415 Spruce Ave. North
PO Box 2168
Ketchum, ID 83340

Hours

Sunday
closed
Monday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
10:00am - 8:00pm
Wednesday
10:00am - 8:00pm
Thursday
10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
10:00am - 6:00pm

Contact

208.726.3493
info@comlib.org

About us

  • Our Story
  • Staff and Board
  • Give & Support
  • Volunteer

Site Map

  • Home
  • Visit The Community Library Association
  • Events
  • Events and Programs
  • Use the Library
  • Catalog
Got a question? Ask Us

THE COMMUNITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

  • The Community Library
  • The Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History
  • The Gold Mine Stores

MAILING ADDRESS

PO Box 2168
Ketchum, ID 83340
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
2023 © The Community Library Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved | The Community Library is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization | Federal Tax ID 82-0290944