Hispanic heritage month ranges from September to October, each year. Many many ask—why is there a need to celebrate Hispanic heritage? What was the process to create Hispanic heritage month?
Why is there a need to celebrate Hispanic heritage?
One of the many reasons to celebrate Hispanic heritage is because of the contributions Hispanics have made to art, history, music, and the world. Take for example Dolores Huerta. Huerta was a human rights activist who fought against unfair treatment of farm workers and coined the phrase “¡Si se puede!” or “Yes we can!”
Another famous Hispanic person is Lin-Manuel Miranda, a Puerto-Rican composer, playwright, and actor most famously known for musicals like Hamilton and In The Heights and famous cameos as a pilot in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and a character in His Dark Materials.
One final example is José Martí—a Cuban poet who was exiled from Cuba in 1871 because he was convicted of treason for his political writings supporting the Cuban independence against Spain.
Why celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
From 1968 to 1988, Hispanic heritage month was originally Hispanic heritage week: until September 14, 1989. When President George H.W. Bush declared the week to be turned into a month. “Not all of the contributions made by Hispanic Americans to our society are so visible or so widely celebrated, however. Hispanic Americans have enriched our nation beyond measure with the quiet strength of closely knit families and proud communities,” Bush said.
Ms. Chavez-Brown, a Spanish teacher at BHS, believes Hispanic heritage month is important because “…it’s important for Hispanics to be highlighted because our culture is rich in history, traditions, and values that have influenced many aspects of society. Celebrating Hispanic heritage helps people recognize the diversity within the Hispanic community and the many contributions it has made to art, music, language, and daily life. It also encourages understanding and appreciation among different cultures, reminding everyone that our shared experiences are stronger when all voices are represented.”
Image used with permission of Sofia Bonilla. (Sophia Smith)
Additionally, senior Sofia Bonilla, established the Hispanic Heritage Club at BHS. Bonilla formed the Hispanic Heritage Club this year because: “Not having a visible community in the school for Hispanics. I wanted to create or re-establish this club because it would make me feel closer to my Hispanic heritage…”
“I also wanted to do this for other Hispanics at our school to feel valued.” To Bonilla, “[being a part of the Hispanic Heritage Club] helps me understand that Hispanic culture is very diverse and vast. Each person has their own foods and traditions, but we all have common values and cultural similarities” Sofia said.
Hispanic Heritage Month to Sofia means that for a month she can distinctly focus on representing and learning from her Hispanic culture. “It is an opportunity to bring different Latin people together as a community,” she said. Bonilla shared how she wants others who aren’t a part of the Hispanic community to know “that Hispanics are made up of different races, backgrounds, and histories.”
As many celebrate Hispanics and Latinos all around the world, remember the contributions and sacrifices many have made for Hispanic Heritage month to exist. Heritage should be celebrated and remembered at all times but for Hispanics, especially during the September and October months to pay homage to the Latin people.