By Aray Contreras
Throughout September and October, the lively, colorful, and rich cultures of Hispanic and Latin America are celebrated. Hispanic Heritage Month is meant to recognize people from or descendants of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain who have contributed to the United States' history and achievements. This celebration begins on September 15 because five countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, celebrate their independence day. In 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration under President Johnson. However, later in 1988, President Regan extended it for a month.
When Hispanic students were asked why Hispanic Heritage Month is important, there was a common theme: representation.
“National Hispanic Heritage Month makes me feel seen as a Latina and more comfortable with sharing my Peruvian culture. I love to share typical Peruvian dishes with my friends such as papá a la huancaina,” said senior Alessandra Escajadillo.
Sources by Aray Contreras
From left to right: senior Nasir Smith plays the piano; senior Luz Javier shows off her red skirt.
It is important to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month so that credit can be given to those who came before and those who are still breaking barriers and building bridges. The United States Census Bureau of 2020 has found that one in four children are of Hispanic origin. Representation is essential since Hispanics make up around 19% of the US population. Representation can and should be seen in education, professional settings, music, art, and most importantly, in communities.
Some of the most influential people of 2023 consist of politicians such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is advocating for democracy, economic fairness, and environmental rights. President Lula has reduced deforestation by 72%. Other influential people can be seen on television like Pedro Pascual, a Chilean-American actor, starring in “The Last of Us,” “The Mandalorian,” and “Narcos.” Oscar Issac, a Guatemalan-American actor, has also broken stereotypes of Latin American characters. Oftentimes Hollywood will perceive Latinx characters as gangsters or villains; however, Issac’s roles in films and shows have proved the opposite.
“National Hispanic Heritage Month makes me feel seen as a Latina and more comfortable with sharing my Peruvian culture.”
Another industry that is booming with Latin culture is music. Spanish music is the second most listened to in the U.S. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the revenue for 2023 is a mid-year high of $627 million. Artists like Karol G, a Colombian singer-songwriter, have not only broken chart records but also advocated for female empowerment. Her foundation Con Cora provides support and education for all women including teen mothers and imprisoned women. Recently, there has been a rise in the particular genre of regional Mexican music, which encompasses a mixture of subgenres like country, mariachi, corridos, ballads, and more. Artists such as Peso Pluma, Eslabon Armado, Grupo Frontera, Fuerza Regida, and others have been given credit for reviving traditional Mexican music and making it global.
Other influential figures that are commonly underrepresented are domestic and ground workers. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor found that Hispanic workers make up around 43% of farming, fishing, and forestry workers, 37.9% of building, grounds cleaning, and maintenance, 35.7% of construction and extraction, 27.3% of food preparation and serving, and 23.9% of transportation and material moving. These workers make America run every day, whether it’s harvesting food, building, cleaning, or caring for homes. Unfortunately, because some workers are immigrants, they face higher rates of discrimination, exploitation, and neglected healthcare rights.
At Thomas Jefferson University, the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) club has provided a variety of activities to learn more about Latinx culture. Throughout the years, LASO has kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with salsa night, which is a time to enjoy food, music, dancing, and prizes. Last year, LASO had a festival inspired by Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti” album. In addition, they had a photoshoot capturing traditional clothing from Latin America used for performances or everyday use. This year, LASO is planning to have more activities, so keep an eye out on their Instagram: @lasotju.
Sources by Aray Contreras
From left to right: sophomore Michell Tlapaya-Flores poses in her outfit; senior Jocelyn Sandoval smiles for the camera.
To have a deeper connection with the Latin culture, it is encouraged to have an open mind by attending events and constantly emphasizing education. The PECO Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing has a variety of activities that allow guests to be immersed in Hispanic and Latinx Culture. The Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta is an opportunity to experience Latin cuisine, music, arts and crafts, and shop with local vendors. The Caribbean Festival showcases the diverse culture of the islands and benefits college students of Caribbean descent. The Blue Corn Lifestyle: Green and Organic Fest focuses on a sustainable lifestyle inspired by Mexican indigenous traditions as well as farm culture, while the Brazilian Day Festival celebrates Brazil’s Independence Day with food, music, and performers showcasing samba, Forro, capoeira, and more! To conclude the series, the Mexican Independence Festival has folkloric and indigenous dances, food, live music, and giveaways.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to show and have other people experience our traditions,” said sophomore Michell Tlapaya-Flores.
This month is not only for those who identify as Hispanic or Latinx, but for allies as well. Although Hispanic Heritage Month was only for the duration of September, it does not mean this is the only time to acknowledge Hispanic and Latinx culture. People can always support Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses, eat some delicious food, and most importantly, convive* with these beautiful and diverse cultures.
Convive: to socialize, celebrate, mingle, or hangout
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