This story also appears in Spanish via El Heraldo.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a 30-day nationwide celebration dedicated to honoring the contributions and influence of Hispanic leaders. Whose achievements have had a great impact on the history of the United States. In addition, they have been able to inspire future generations to achieve success. Their culture, music, and knowledge are to be admired.  Today there are nearly 58.9 million Hispanics who continue to amaze us with their unique thinking, cuisine, and much more. The main groups to which this celebration is dedicated are Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Its origin took place in 1968. An idea proposed by Mexican-American Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles and proclaimed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” by President Lyndon Johnson. As a result, two decades later, President Ronald Reagan extended it and decreed it would start on September 15 of that year and last until October 15. This celebration became a law in 1988. Its purpose was to give people the opportunity to get to know the Latino community and understand its history with the United States. An interesting fact is that many of the countries mentioned above celebrate their independence on the same day.

As in the Columbia Heights school, the student body is made up of 40.9% of the population of Hispanic/Latino origin. Some of them wanted to share with us their perspective and vision about this important holiday. With the proposed questions and answers they have been able to provide us with a little more about their Latino/Hispanic culture and pride. This can be an example of how they identify themselves, celebrate this date and give us the opportunity to hear their stories and lived experiences.

Mareli Gutierrez (11):

What does it mean to you to be Hispanic?

“Being Hispanic is something I can’t really explain—it’s something really beautiful. As a Hispanic person, I like to do many things. It is most of my responsibility to keep my siblings in check. As one of the eldest daughters. In my family, there are a lot of traditions that I have to follow but I think that is what makes it nice.”

How do you stay connected to your Hispanic heritage while living in a different country?

“My mom is pretty religious and she would celebrate stuff that I didn’t really understand back then. My family celebrates many things to honor my heritage—for example, “Day of the Dead”, and my favorite, Las posadas. It’s a day where we celebrate God and at the end, we eat together. Every Sunday me and my parents go to stay close to God. It’s a thing on my mom’s side of the family.”

Can you share a Hispanic role model that inspires you, and why?

“A Hispanic role model that inspires me is my dad. He’s a hard-working person and a person who is really kind to everyone. He might look like an angry bird, but on the inside, he’s a person who has a soft spot for those he loves, and cares about. He’s the reason I’m who I am right now and what I wanna be in the future. My dad is my one and only inspiration (apart from my mom and my older brother [of course]).”

Continuing The Heights Herald’s series of interviewees, it becomes clear that Hispanic traditions are very valuable and influential in their culture. First, “Day of the Dead” is a celebration where offerings such as flowers, drinks and personal mementos are made to honor and welcome the spirit of the departed in the cemetery. This ceremony takes place mainly on the first and second of November. Second, “Las posadas”, which is a celebration with a variety of food, music, games, dances and a piñata. It takes place nine days before Christmas Eve. It indicates the welcome and birth of Jesus according to the fables of the Catholic religion. Its purpose is not only for religious reasons, but to promote solidarity, unite the community and strengthen family ties.

Aniston Lopez (12): 

What does being Hispanic mean to you?

“For me being Hispanic means having one of the most beautiful cultures that can exist since we have a great variety of music, food among other things.”

What are some Hispanic customs or traditions that are important to you?

“One of the most important traditions are the 15th birthday parties and others would be Las Posadas or the Day of the Dead.”

Can you share a Hispanic role model that inspires you and why (famous, your family, etc.)?

“A role model is my grandparents because despite all the hardships they went through with their 18 children they knew how to get ahead and provide for everyone equally.”

How do you stay connected to your Hispanic heritage while living in a different country?

“Food is one of the most important things as a Hispanic, as well as traditions [keep me] connected and united with my family.”

In our last interview featuring a Hispanic voice from the Columbia Heights High School (CHHS) student body, we hope to highlight the richness and impact of the festivities and many inspirational figures in Hispanic culture. El Heraldo and The Heights Herald welcome everyone in Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) to continue sharing in the beauty and celebration of all things Mexican, Latin American and more in everyday life. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to all! 

Jose Mendoza (12): 

What does it mean to you to be Hispanic?

“For me being a Hispanic is a pride because it is a mixture of many vibes, the warmth of our people and the spice of our personality.”

What are some Hispanic customs or traditions that are important to you?

“[For me, the most important traditions are] the festivals and carnivals.”

Can you share a Hispanic role model that inspires you and why (famous, your family, etc)?

“Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny. Because he is not ashamed to be Latino and also despite the obstacles in his life and career, he continues to shine with his music.”

How do you stay connected to your Hispanic heritage while living in a different country?

“With the food that mami makes and with the people around you. That’s how you stay [connected to your] culture.”