WATCH: San Angelo's Hispanic Heritage

SAN ANGELO – From the week-long celebration that started in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson to what we know as Hispanic Heritage Month lengthened to a full 30 days by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, Hispanics across the United States especially in West Texas are proud to recognize their heritage. 

Led by the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, Hispanic Heritage Month was kicked off in San Angelo on Thursday, September 16th on the steps of City Hall. 

Many gathered to listen to the proclamation delivered by Mayor Brenda Gunter to kickstart the month-long celebration along with a historical remembrance from Angelo State University Dean/Professor Dr. John Klingemann of Mexico's Independence from Spain that was triggered by Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the "Grito de Dolores" on September 16, 1810.

Also in attendance were students from Fort Concho Elementary who performed Mexican dances to commemorate the day, plus a special musical performance from Rita Capuchina.

Watch as Dr. John Klingemann and San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center Vice President Suzanna Valenzuela share why this celebration means so much to a thriving Hispanic population in San Angelo and the Concho Valley, not to mention an effort to commemorate past members of the Hispanic community.