While "Hispanic" and "Latino" are frequently used to describe people in the United States with roots in Latin America and the Caribbean, the two terms carry unique meanings:

• Latino reflects cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America and the Caribbean. It offers an inclusive framework that recognizes the region’s rich diversity—including Black, Indigenous, Asian, and European heritages.

• Hispanic specifically highlights a connection to Spain or the Spanish language.

Because individuals express their heritage in personal ways, these terms may be used differently across our community.

(Source: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino)