Celebrating Our Unique and Collective Contributions
As we find ourselves in Latine and Latinx Heritage Month, a time to honor and uplift the diverse history, culture, and contributions of Latinx communities in the United States, it’s crucial to understand the significance of this celebration both personally and collectively. This special period runs from September 15 through October 15, covering the anniversaries of independence for several Latin American countries as well as Mexico.
The Historical Context of Latine Heritage Month
Latine Heritage Month has its roots in the activism of the 1960s. Introduced by California Congressman George Brown, who represented East Los Angeles, a predominantly Mexican American community, the idea was to raise awareness of Latinx contributions and struggles. On September 17, 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-48, officially recognizing what was initially National Hispanic Heritage Week. This proclamation, made by President Lyndon B. Johnson, came during a time of significant social and political unrest, marked by the civil rights movement, Chicano movement, Native American movement, and women’s movement.
As someone who has navigated the complexities of identity and belonging, my transformation began as an undergraduate when I enrolled in my first Mexican American class at San Jose State University. It was both eye-opening and emotionally gripping to witness the raw footage of high school and college students standing up against systemic injustices. Recognizing that I was benefiting from the dedication and sacrifices of previous generations deeply moved me.
Celebrating and Acknowledging Our Past and Present
The essence of Latine Heritage Month lies in elevating our communities, celebrating our contributions, and honoring our ancestors’ struggles. This period is an opportunity for intentional reflection on our roles and responsibilities in making a meaningful impact on society. It’s about asking ourselves, “What is the mark I want to leave in this country?”
Our responsibility goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it demands action. We must initiate and participate in movements that challenge the status quo in the personal, professional, and social spheres. This is a call for social justice that echoes beyond the confines of this month.
Building and Strengthening Community Bonds
One key aspect of this celebration is the emphasis on building and nurturing community ties. Unlike the crabs-in-a-bucket mentality propagated by capitalism and white supremacy, our aim should be collective elevation. By focusing on our inner healing and recognizing our self-worth, we can better contribute to the community.
This month encourages us to actively seek out and collaborate with people we admire and respect. Reach out and create opportunities for meaningful partnerships. Your unique gifts and contributions are invaluable—together, we can create a robust and interconnected community.
Avoiding Tokenism and Cultural Appropriation
It’s also important to note what Latine Heritage Month is not: an opportunity for cultural appropriation, tokenization, or performative allyship. If you are not part of the Latin American community, it is pivotal to approach this period with a genuine intent to understand and support rather than capitalize on it. Your actions should be intentional and aligned with fostering meaningful change.
Moreover, avoid asking women of color for free labor. Our contributions should be acknowledged and compensated, reflecting the value we bring. Many of us support our families, pay off debts, and fulfill other financial obligations. As you would expect fair compensation for your work, so should we.
Learning and Growing Together
For those who aren’t part of the Latinx/Latine community, I invite you to learn more about our diverse experiences and contributions. Our intersecting identities shape our unique experiences, but there are common threads that bind us together. Understanding these nuances can foster deeper empathy and more authentic connections.
Latin Heritage Month is not just about celebrating for a few weeks—it’s about recognizing the continuous contributions and struggles of the Latine/Latinx community. This is a call to support and uplift us, both during this period and beyond.
So, how will you choose to contribute? Will you support meaningful change, foster collaborations, and build community? Let’s make this Latine Heritage Month a catalyst for ongoing elevation and unity.
I encourage you to reach out, collaborate, and uplift our community. If you’re interested in the intersections of undieting, immigrant identity, student parenting, and higher education, consider collaborating with me. Together, we can build stronger communities and bring healing at both individual and collective levels.
Thank you so much for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you in the next episode of “Dismantling Diet Culture, Fuck Being Calladita.”
