Infographics About U.S. Latinxs to Spark Conversations this NHHM by Camila Franco Diaz, CommunicationsSeptember 22, 2021

Written by: Camila Franco Díaz, Language Access & Outreach Editor, in collaboration with Johanna Holman, Adult Librarian.

Join the New York Public Library in honoring the cultures and contributions of people from the United States with ancestry from across the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain this National Hispanic Heritage Month. Explore our new book lists for kids by Latinx authors, as well as free events and resources for patrons of all ages.

Latinxs and Hispanics in the U.S. represent over 30 countries of origin. But without a commonly agreed-upon term for self-reference, the use of different words to describe people of the community—including Latinx, Latino, Latina, Hispanic, Chicanx, Chicano, Chicana—remains dependent on the history of specific groups, the context in which they are used, and individual preference. Mindful that everyone has their own experience of identity—and, in some cases, discrimination and oppression—adopting an intersectional approach to terminology may allow us to consider communities not as monoliths but plurally: as diverse groups and individuals.

Making generalizations about a community risks missing the rich diversity of beliefs and values in all groups. The infographics that follow—from We Are All Human—offer a great starting point for discussing Latin American identity and experience in the U.S. and what different voices in the community support. At NYPL, we offer free programs, resources, and more to support all the city's communities. Read on to find out how the Library promotes access to high-quality educational resources for all New Yorkers.

According to We Are All Human, 70% of Latinxs and Hispanics in the U.S. agree that they can advance through education and diligence. The Library is here to support all of New York City's diverse communities with educational resources, job and career support, and more for people of all ages.

The Thomas Yoseloff Business Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)

The New York Public Library’s premier business library offers an array of free resources for those interested in personal finance and investing, small business management, financial research, and career services.

The Pasculano Learning Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)

Adults can discover a wide array of programs and resources, including English language and literacy learning, technology classes through our TechConnect program, and career services.

Learning Resources for Kids  & Teens

Everything babies, toddlers, kids, and teens need to become lifelong learners. From early literacy activities, free one-on-one online tutoring, and homework help to fun, engaging after-school activities, the Library is here to help students with a broad variety of learning resources.

It's a mistake to generalize about the Latinx vote! It is estimated that the United States is home to around 61 million Latinxs who vary widely in age, race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, political ideology, and educational attainment. However you vote, participating in federal, state, and local elections is the best way to ensure your community's issues and needs are represented in our government. The Library is here to help you find all of the resources you need to be an informed voter.

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Many Latinxs and Hispanics sincerely appreciate nature and conservation despite being a diaspora of individuals with roots in different countries and cultures. For many, unfortunately, climate change is a daily lived experience. As the community, including the number of citizens with voting rights, continues to grow, Latinxs and Hispanics are poised to become a solid advocacy base for environmental issues.

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It is essential to confront the discriminatory policies, institutional obstacles, and anti-Latinx bias that hinder LGBTQ+ Latinxs and Hispanics from thriving as themselves. Everyone can play a role in changing the landscape for LGBTQ+ Latinxs and Hispanics by contributing to inclusive, supportive, and loving environments in homes, schools, and communities.

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Research

The stigma surrounding mental health permeates Latin American cultures and communities. As a result, there are significant disparities in access to and quality of treatment, putting communities at a higher risk for more severe and persistent forms of mental health conditions. The Library provides various resources and programs to support mental wellbeing, including Spaces to Thrive, a partnership between The New York Public Library and the Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health to spark conversations about mental health and bring free mental health programming to ALL New Yorkers.

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Community Support Resources

latin youth infographic created by we are all human

College and Career Pathways

Whether you're looking for college guidance, career readiness, or adulting skills, the Library's College and Career Pathways program is here to help. Explore our College and Career Pathways webpage and get guidance on different topics that will help you prepare for what comes after high school.

Teen Reading Ambassadors

The Library’s Teen Reading Ambassadors program offers internships to teens to help develop job readiness and leadership skills. Participating teens will have the opportunity to act as leaders and role models to younger kids, ambassadors for the Library's mission to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning, and writers and editors of their very own magazine.

View all posts by Camila Franco Diaz