As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and this year’s theme of “Driving Power, Prosperity, and Progress in America,” we want to acknowledge progress and progression within the Hispanic and Latino communities.
For example, did you know many Hispanic inventors created items that have changed our lives? We don’t always hear their names, but everyday items like ballpoint pens, medical advancements like artificial hearts and x-ray technology, and modern conveniences like e-books, are all thanks to inventors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Check out this video to learn more:
Every year, Hispanic and Latino populations continue to progress economically, politically, socially, and in other ways, too. In the last twenty years, we’ve seen that progression increase at a rapid rate.
The workforce is one of many areas where Hispanic and Latino communities have made their mark. In 1990, Hispanics accounted for 8.5% of the labor force. That number rose to 18% in 2020. Projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that by 2030, Hispanics will make up approximately 21.2% of the labor force, representing one out of every five workers.
In politics, there has been an increase in Hispanic and Latino elected officials each year. The number of elected officials has grown nearly 75% over the last two decades, and the number of Hispanic and Latino voters has also increased. In 2000, Hispanics and Latinos comprised only 7.4% of eligible voters in the U.S. However, in the most recent presidential election, 14.3% of all the eligible voters were Hispanic or Latino. That number is on a steady rise.
Hispanics and Latinos are also making history in music. This year, Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican music artist, became the first Latino solo artist to headline one of the biggest music festivals, Coachella. Over the last year, Latino music revenues increased 24%. Between 2020 and 2022, Latin music grew a little over 55% in album consumption in the U.S. Their impact on the music industry is as strong as ever.
The Hispanic and Latino communities continue to thrive and make our world better in so many ways. We acknowledge and appreciate all the contributions, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month but always.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
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