Hispanic Heritage Month Commemorate Rich Culture

Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture, begins Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. During this time, recognition and contributions are made here in the United States to celebrate many aspects of Hispanic culture such as art, food and history.

Why do we celebrate in the US? It gives the country an opportunity to explore the impact that  Latinos have had on this country for generations. According to the National Museum of the American Latino website, the Latino presence has been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War.

There are also eight other countries that celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, but they celebrate it on varying dates. The countries that celebrate starting on Sept. 15 are the US, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The next day, on Sept. 16, it begins for Mexico. Then, on Sept. 18, the celebration commences in Chile. Finally, on Sept. 21, Belize starts their celebration.

Here at John F. Kennedy High School, it’s important to recognise the impact of the Hispanic people around us. Kevin Hernandez (11) explained what people should understand about Hispanic culture. “We’re really good people,” he stated. “We’re not just hard workers but loving, caring people.”

He also said that people like him care for one another and not just people who just do hard work.

Eli Emanuel (11) also expressed his thoughts about his culture. He mentioned how he is proud to be Hispanic, American and the person he is now. “I can appreciate my heritage, my culture, my people, where I’m from and where my parents are from,” he said.

Emanuel also mentioned that it is important for people here at JFK to learn more about Hispanic culture considering how much of our student body is made up of Hispanic students. Some teachers here show an informative video or talk about Hispanic heritage, allowing them to honor and show respect to the Latinos and Latinas around us.

Beyond this school, there are many important Hispanic historical figures. Cesar Chavez, for example, led the fight against unfair treatment of farm workers in the US. In 1962, alongside Dolores Huerta, the National Farm Workers Association was founded and later became the Workers of America. Another historically important Hispanic person is Sonia Sotomayor, who became the first Latina and the third woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. This is quite an achievement since the Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. It is important to honor people like Chavez and Sotomayor who were extremely important in the history of this country.

Although this celebration will only be one month long, Hispanic heritage remains important throughout the entire year. There are many ways to honor the culture during the rest of the year through eating traditional food, partaking in traditional festivities or even just educating yourself on Hispanic history. Doing things like this can help strengthen the Hispanic community.

“I always acknowledge [Hispanic Heritage Month] when it comes around,” Emanuel said. “It’s always something to be proud of.”

Photo by Gurtej Singh | Sol De Mexico embraces Mexican culture.