El Grito: Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. The month was created to recognize some important Latinx figures in the Hispanic culture. Hispanic Heritage Month was introduced by California Congressman George E. Brown in June of 1968. California Congressman Brown represented East Los Angeles and multiple parts of the San Gabriel Valley. National Hispanic Heritage Week was expanded to a month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan with Congress’ passage of Public Law 100-402 on August 17 that same year. George H.S. Bush was the first president to declare the 30-day period National Hispanic Heritage Month on September 14, 1989. “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 remarked.
September 15 marks the day of five countries’ days of independence. El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, celebrate their independence from Spain on the 15. Mexico declared its independence just a day later on September 16, and Chile declared its independence on September 18. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions, cultures, and histories of ancestors who came from the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico, South, and Central America. More than 60 million Hispanics live in the United States according to the U.S. Census Bureau data.
Each year the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California, a nonprofit organization trying to preserve Mexican heritage in Sacramento and Northern California, celebrates the month with a schedule of events. “El Grito de Dolores” is held on the west steps of the State Capitol. This years’ 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month observance theme was “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope” according to the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers. The theme honors the resilience and beauty of the Hispanic culture.
Here on-campus students celebrate National Hispanic Month with their families and MEChA hosted two events to recognize the Hispanic culture. Jason Garcia (Senior) commented on the festivities, “It is a celebration for everyone’s cultural background and I think it’s important that we continue embracing recognizing where we come from.”
MEChA hosted a vibrant Mexican Independence Day on campus that encouraged many people to come learn about Mexican Independence Day. MEChA also hosted an event during lunch for students to stop by the arcade and learn about important Latinx figures in the Hispanic community. One can celebrate this beautiful month by educating themselves on Latinx culture. Learn more and share important Latinx figures in the Hispanic culture that inspire you. Bring light to empowering people and how they have made a difference in the world. One of Jason’s favorite Latinx figures is Diego Tinoco. Tinoco is an American TV actor and model who lives in Anaheim, California. He is known for this role as Cesar Diaz in the Netflix series “On My Block.” According to Kayla Lopez (Junior), a Latinx figure that inspires her is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, AOC. Kayla says “AOC inspires me because she is an example that women can be anything they want.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an empowering Latina who serves as an American politician and activist. She was sworn in as the youngest woman and youngest Latina to ever serve in Congress in January of 2019. According to Gabriela Cruz (Junior), her favorite Latinx figure is Selena. Gabriela states, “her story is really sad, but also really inspirational. Selena has paved the way for many other amazing female Latinx artists.”
Jason, Kayla, and Gabriela all celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and wish others would take the time to see the beauty of the Hispanic culture. To Jason, Hispanic Heritage Month means to be able to share his cultura with other people that want to learn. Jason states, “ I wish people knew that in Hispanic culture families mean everything and everyone is close.” To Kayla, it is a time to honor those who have helped pave the way for future generations. For Gabriela Hispanic heritage month is a time to celebrate her culture as a Puerto Rican and the many incredible people she shares it with. Gabriela says, “I want others to know that Hispanic culture is filled with a lot of amazing people who paved the way for us and did a lot of really great things for our generation.”
