Hispanic Heritage Month
By Izabella Galvan (7)
Did you know 40.2% of the population of Texas is Hispanic? Now you do! Through September 15 to October 15 it’s Hispanic Heritage Month!
Powerful Hispanic People
One of the most famous latino civil rights activists is Cesar Chavez. Born in Yuma, Arizona from a Mexican family; he became an immigrant farm worker at the age of 11. “Throughout his youth and into adulthood, Cesar traveled the migrant streams throughout California laboring in the fields, orchards and vineyards where he was exposed to the hardships and injustices of farm worker life.” https://chavezfoundation.org/ states. Cesar boycotted major labor management products such as grapes. In 1975 California passed the landmark Agricultural Labor Relations Act because of him and the help of millions of other people around North America’s protests. “Si se puede!” was his motto which translated from Spanish is: “Yes, it can be done!” Sadly he passed away on April of 1993 at the age of 66, but not before leaving a legacy.
Another famously strong Hispanic person is Celia Cruz. Celia Cruz was born in Cuba. “After high school she attended the Normal School for Teachers in Havana, intending to become a literature teacher. After winning a talent show, however, Cruz interrupted her studies to pursue a singing career.” says https://www.britannica.com/ Celia quickly became popular; she replaced Myrta Silva, the lead singer of La Sonora Matancera (A very popular orchestra) and even sang on television, radio stations and tours.
After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, Celia left Cuba her fame from her singing career disappeared. She settled in New Jersey. In 1962 she married Pedro Knight who directed her in music, but then left him and his group to become a solo artist. But being alone didn’t make her any less talented. She didn’t become popular as quickly as she did in Cuba, but when people did eventually notice her they adored her.
Celia released more than 80 albums in her lifetime, and with her music she won three Grammys. People titled her the “Queen of Salsa Music.” Celia’s music was so powerful that in 2024 she will have her own coin from the American Woman Quarters Program. But Cesar Chavez and Celia Cruz aren’t the only strong Hispanic people, some strong Hispanic people are on this campus!
Powerful Hispanic Teachers
Jennifer Mendiola, or better known as Ms. Mendiola is Hispanic. She was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas just like her father. Her mother was born in Mexico, she came over because she was a migrant farmer. Ms. Mendiola and her sisters often visited down to Mexico every other weekend and while in Mexico she would walk to the movies, candy store, and around town. Her favorite movie to watch was Three Amigos and Nacho Libre. Her favorite Hispanic actress is Salena Gomez with her role in Only Murderers In The Building. Ms. Mendiola’s favorite foods were Enchiladas and rice and beans made by her mother. She keeps up with her culture by retelling Hispanic folklore by her lit chimney to her children.
Hispanic Heritage Month Holiday
Mexican Independence Day is the biggest holiday through Hispanic Heritage Month. Its an extremely fun and lively holiday; every year on September 16th, thousands of people in Mexico celebrate by throwing parties. “Festivities include elaborate parades, street fairs, and cultural performances showcasing traditional Mexican folk dances.
A highlight of these events is the Mexican Independence Day parade, where participants proudly display their national pride through colorful costumes, music, and floats.” https://rivieranayarit.villalaestancia.com/ describes. People enjoy dancing, telling the stories of how Mexico started independence, listening to music, and watching movies to celebrate as well. Another thing Mexico is very fond of during this time is its street foods such as mole, tamales, enchiladas, and tacos. People shout “Viva Mexico” as well.
Fun Facts!
- Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 thanks to Lyndon B. Johnson who recognised the impact people of Hispanic descent had on America.
- Ronald Reagan expanded Hispanic Heritage Month to a month, before it was only a week.
- The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month changes each year, this year the theme was “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America”.
- There are 20 Hispanic countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela.
- In the USA Mexican Americans take up the largest Hispanic population.
- 13 states in the USA have over a million Hispanic residents.
- Ellen Ochoa was the first Latina woman in space.
- Sylvia Mendez attended an “all-white” school seven years before Brown vs Board of Education.
Thanks https://www.weareteachers.com/ for providing these facts.
Throughout the centuries Hispanics have always been hard workers, it’s very nice that they are recognized and have a month! If you’re Hispanic, be proud of who you are! If you want to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month or Hispanic culture you can find some at the library!