Who are Hispanic Americans?

Hispanic Americans are people of European Indian and African descent. Hispanics include people of mixed ancestry who share historical backgrounds and cultural traditions in particular, the Spanish language. Hispanics may come from countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Central and South America. Over 24 million people in the United States consider themselves Hispanic. The United States has the fifth largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. They have lived in North America for over 500 years.

Hispanics have participated in every aspect of American life. They have helped to shape our laws and strengthen our democracy. Music, art, language and cuisine in the United States owe much to Hispanic influence. Hispanic American history has deep roots in Spain and Portugal. Influences on Hispanic culture include ancient Iberia (Spain), Greece, Africa, and Rome. Spanish explorers encountered large civilizations in the Americas including natives of the Caribbean (Arawaks and Carib), and Mexico (Maya, Zapotec and Olmecs). Many Hispanic Americans especially those from Cuba have cultural and racial roots in Africa.

The legacy of Spanish conquest in the Americas includes: a large mestizo population and a deep Catholic faith among most Hispanic Americans. A majority of Hispanic Americans came to the United States from Mexico, Cuba, Central and South America; and Puerto Rico. In 1917, all Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens.

More than 9 percent of the U.S. population is Hispanic and the number is increasing each year. Hispanics have made their presence known in politics, labor, business, law, literature, music, education, science, sports and entertainment.

By 2010, Hispanics are expected to be the largest A.H.A.N.A. group in the U.S. Hispanic Americans are committed to maintaining their customs and traditions even as they join the peoples of the world in creating common ground.

Source - Scripto Publications