What It Means to be a Hispanic Celebrating The National Hispanic Heritage Month
T
he world is becoming more and more diversified. This means, now more than ever, people have the opportunity to learn about each other’s culture and value system. This month, we have a great opportunity to learn about the Hispanic culture during the National Hispanic Heritage Month which is actually observed in the United States from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This is a time to take a back seat and celebrate the histories, cultures, victories, progress, and contributions of the American people of Hispanic descent (People from Spain, Mexico, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, according to the Library of Congress.)
He goes on to add, “This heritage is ours.” What I love about these statements is the fact that the president is acknowledging that America belongs to every one of us, it doesn’t matter how you landed in this beautiful country. As long as you identify as American you have as much right as everyone else. Ever since the proclamation of this celebration, much of the debate has been centered around what being “Hispanic” actually means. I have seen questions like “who the term hispanic identifies” been deliberated from time to time. Lately, the debate has been whether terms such as “latino,” Latina” or Latinx” are more appropriate than Hispanic. To clear off this dust, legislation from the 70s tried to clusterize what belongs as Hispanic and with some accuracy.
As important as it is to acknowledge the Juneteenth Celebrations or the 4th of July celebrations the National Hispanic Heritage Month carries the same weight. Every year going into the National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, I am reminded of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s words when proclaiming the first National Hispanic Heritage week in 1968. This is what he had to say;
“The people of Hispanic descent are the heirs of missionaries, captains, soldiers and farmers who were motivated by a young spirit of adventure, and a desire to settle freely in a free land.” 134 l
THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2021
