Hispanic Heritage Month becomes part of Alaska’s story
Alaska will formally recognize Hispanic Heritage Month under a new law highlighting the history and contributions of Latino Alaskans.Alaska will formally recognize Hispanic Heritage Month each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 under legislation signed into law by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, marking a new statewide effort to acknowledge the role Hispanic and Latino communities have played in shaping Alaska. The law, sponsored by Elvi Gray-Jackson, encourages schools, community organizations and public institutions to celebrate the history and culture of Hispanic Americans. The measure takes effect Aug. 6.
For Gray-Jackson, the legislation reflects a broader effort to expand how Alaska understands its own history. “Alaska fits naturally into that broader American Latino story because this state has always been shaped by movement, resilience, and cultural exchange,” Gray-Jackson said in an interview with SDMN. “Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month is really about recognizing a long-standing part of Alaska’s story.” The observance period coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Mexico. She said Hispanic and Latino Alaskans have contributed across nearly every sector of life in the state, including education, health care, military service, fishing and small business. The legislation arrives during a period of intense national debate surrounding immigration and Latino identity. Gray-Jackson said her focus remained on Alaska communities themselves. “This legislation was about recognizing Alaskans, our neighbors, coworkers, veterans, students, and families,” she said. “In times of polarization, I think it becomes even more important to affirm that people belong and that their contributions matter to the state.” Gov. Dunleavy signed the bill without a public ceremony. Gray-Jackson said formal recognition carries consequences beyond symbolism because it shapes who feels included in public life. “Recognition matters because it tells people their history and contributions are part of the public story of the state,” she said. “For many families, especially those who may have felt overlooked, that kind of visibility has a real psychological and civic impact.” Since 2019, Gray-Jackson has sponsored legislation recognizing Black History Month, Alaska Native Heritage Month, Filipino American History Month, Juneteenth and Women’s History Month. She said those efforts have taught her that cultural recognition is built gradually through persistence and community storytelling. “I’ve learned that it takes persistence, coalition-building, and storytelling working together,” she said. “Over time, that builds understanding and legitimacy in the public and political sphere.” |