Observed annually from September 15th to October 15th, National Hispanic Heritage Month aims to recognize and appreciate the immense achievements of the Hispanic and Latin American communities across our nation. 2025 marks the 57th anniversary of this month-long celebration! In today’s post, we’ll dive into the history and origins of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and feature some inspiring messages from talented Hispanic and Latino Creators on Zazzle.
The Origins of National Hispanic Heritage Month
Beginning as a week-long event, this nationwide commemoration was first introduced by Congressman George E. Brown, and then signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Brown campaigned for this awareness week because he wanted to push for more recognition for the contributions made by the Hispanic and Latino communities throughout U.S. history. Then, in 1988, the celebration was extended to a month-long event by President Ronald Reagan, and has since become an important month in the national calendar!
Throughout history, there have been countless pioneering Hispanic and Latino people who have changed the world for the better! Their hard work across sectors including the arts, politics, education, and much more is undeniable. Here’s a small sample of the many notable contributors from the community.
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta is a Mexican American activist who, along with Cesar Chavez, co-founded the United Farm Workers Union in 1962. She also continuously challenged gender discrimination, and advocated for better childcare options for families who worked, with a large focus on improving women’s treatment in the farming workforce. At 95, she is still involved with the Dolores Huerta Foundation to this day!
Juan Felipe Herrera
Juan Felipe Herrera is a world-renowned poet who was born to Hispanic migrant farmers, and those childhood experiences influence much of his work. He served as the 21st Poet Laureate from 2015 to 2017, and has spent much of his time teaching poetry, art, and performance in community centers and correctional facilities.
Sylvia Rivera
A brave advocate for trans people, especially trans people of color, Sylvia Rivera was a Puerto Rican and Venezuelan activist who always fought fiercely for her people. Along with her good friend Marsha P. Johnson, she spearheaded the Stonewall Inn uprising in 1969, which is widely regarded as a major catalyst for the start of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
Why Is National Hispanic Heritage Month Important?
National Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an opportunity to cherish and celebrate those with Hispanic and Latino heritage in our country, thanking them for their hard work across countless fields. It’s also a chance to educate ourselves on the rich culture, historical legacies, and inspirational journeys associated with the Hispanic and Latin community.
Here at Zazzle, we couldn’t be more proud of our Hispanic and Latino Creators! The level of dedication to their stores and collections is clear, and their input is integral to our marketplace. To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, we reached out to our Hispanic and Latino Creator community and asked them if their heritage has played a part in their design work. Here are some of the thoughtful answers we received.
Leska Freeman
My Cuban heritage is deeply woven into my creative process and visual style. Growing up surrounded by the vibrant colors, rhythmic patterns, and rich storytelling traditions of Hispanic culture has given me a natural inclination toward designs that feel warm, celebratory, and full of life. I often draw inspiration from tropical botanicals, hand-painted textures, and cultural motifs that reflect the energy and beauty of my roots. Even when my work is not overtly Hispanic-themed, the spirit of community, resilience, and joy that I associate with my heritage informs the way I approach every project—whether it’s through bold color palettes, intricate detailing, or the storytelling behind each design. My goal is to create pieces that not only resonate aesthetically but also carry a sense of cultural pride and connection.
Funny Latin T Shirts
I use terminology from my Hispanic Heritage to create T Shirts that highlight our culture’s particular brand of humor. The shirts are lively, colorful, sharp witted, and hilarious. It is a light hearted way to celebrate our culture and the amazing resilience and positive attitude that Hispanics always demonstrate in the face of enormous adversity.
María Eugenia Rodríguez
My Hispanic heritage has profoundly influenced my design work, inspiring me to incorporate vibrant colors and meaningful patterns into many of my creations. I frequently draw inspiration from traditional celebrations, folklore, and festive motifs, such as floral elements, artisanal textures, and cheerful typography, which reflect the warmth and community spirit of Hispanic culture. This culture motivates me to design unique pieces that not only celebrate special moments but also share stories, preserve traditions, and evoke a sense of belonging. Each design blends cultural roots with modern style.
Dinorah Alejandra Arizpe Valdés
I illustrate clipart, posters, and patterns that showcase the richness of Mexican culture and celebrations, such as Mexican sayings, Day of the Dead designs, alebrije characters, and more.
Tiendita Arroyo
My Hispanic heritage is woven into everything I create. I’m inspired by the vibrant colors that fill the streets of Mexico—bold, joyful, and unapologetically expressive. But it’s more than just aesthetics. It’s the spirit of familia, the deep-rooted love of culture, and the way we celebrate life that guide my design approach. I’m drawn to work that feels emotionally rich, whether it’s told in English, Spanish, or Spanglish.
TripleJWeDesign
My design work is inspired by my Mexican Hispanic heritage. I grew up very close to my family, and supporting one another was always a big part of our everyday life. Uplifting others is something I try to reflect in the products I create. Now that I’m older, my faith has become an important part of who I am, and I enjoy showing that through my designs. With my Zazzle store, I focus on making faith-based products that uplift and bring joy. One special memory that means a lot to me is my Quinceañera, which I celebrated with a family member. It was a reminder of how much I’ve always valued sharing meaningful moments with loved ones. Through my work, I hope others feel that same joy, love, and encouragement.
We hope you enjoy National Hispanic Heritage Month, and take it upon yourself to support and learn about our fellow Americans. If you’d like to offer your own ideas for celebrating this special event, or if you’d like to talk about how this month resonates with you, please share your thoughts with us in the comments.
