In The Community
It Honors the Resilience and Contributions of Our Community
Photo by sydney Rae on UnsplashHispanic and Latino communities have faced countless challenges, from political issues to cultural misunderstandings. But despite these obstacles, our contributions to society—whether through art, politics, science, or cuisine—are undeniable. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to honor this resilience and show the world (and remind ourselves) that we’re a vital part of the cultural fabric. It’s a time to lift up the stories of our sisters, our abuelas, our entrepreneurs, our activists, and everyone in between.
It Helps Keep Traditions Alive for Future Generations
Photo by Marco Alhelm
Ever feel like younger generations are starting to lose touch with their roots? With the fast pace of life and the influence of mainstream culture, it’s easy for traditions to slip away. Hispanic Heritage Month is a great reminder to pass down the beauty of our heritage. Whether it’s through teaching your kids to make tamales, celebrating Día de los Muertos, or simply speaking more Spanish at home, it’s an opportunity to connect with the next generation and ensure they’re proud of where they come from.
It Builds Awareness and Understanding in a Diverse World
Photo by Luis German Ps
Cultural understanding is more important than ever. But let’s be real—there are still too many stereotypes and misunderstandings about Hispanic and Latino cultures. Celebrating this month helps break down those walls. It’s a chance to educate friends, coworkers, and neighbors about the diversity within our community. We’re not just one monolithic group—there’s so much variety, from Cuban to Dominican to Mexican and beyond. The more we share, the more we foster understanding and unity.
It Uplifts Latino-Owned Businesses
Photo by Ricardo Olvera
Supporting Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses is a powerful way to strengthen our communities. During Hispanic Heritage Month, many businesses offer special events, deals, or promotions to celebrate their culture. From restaurants serving up traditional dishes to artists showcasing their heritage through their work, there’s no better time to support and uplift these creators and entrepreneurs. Plus, you’ll probably discover some amazing food, products, and services you didn’t know about before!
It Inspires a Sense of Pride and Identity
Photo by Anya Juárez Tenorio
For many of us, Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of who we are and where we come from. It’s easy to get swept up in everyday life and forget the importance of our cultural roots. But taking the time to celebrate can reignite that sense of pride. It’s a reminder that our identity is something to be cherished, shared, and celebrated. Whether you’re attending a parade, tuning in to a cultural event, or just cooking a family recipe, embracing this time can strengthen your connection to your heritage and inspire others to do the same.
Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate, educate, and uplift our communities in big and small ways. But it’s also important to continue doing so throughout the year! Whether you’re hosting a fiesta, supporting a local business, or simply having a conversation about your heritage, every little celebration makes a difference.
Rhum vs. ron: what's the difference?
Photo by Claus Grünstäudl on UnsplashYou might be wondering why some bottles say "rhum" while others say "ron" or even "rum." It’s not just about language! "Rhum" typically refers to rhum agricole, a style of rhum made from fresh sugarcane juice, most commonly in French-speaking Caribbean islands like Martinique. On the other hand, "ron" is the Spanish word for rum, often distilled from molasses in places like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. So next time you’re picking your poison, know that "rhum" brings a slightly different vibe to the party.
It was once a pirate's best friend
Photo by Austin Neill on UnsplashBefore there was tequila, before there was whiskey, pirates swore by rum to get them through their high-seas adventures. In the Caribbean, rum was often mixed with water, sugar, lime, and sometimes even a little gunpowder (yes, you read that right!) to make "grog." Legend has it that this drink kept pirates from getting scurvy and was the liquid courage they needed to pillage and plunder.
The first distillation? Thank the Caribbean heat!
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on UnsplashRum’s origins are as hot as the islands where it was first distilled. The Caribbean's tropical climate, combined with the abundance of sugarcane, made it the perfect place for the creation of rum. The natural fermentation of sugarcane juice or molasses, sped up by the heat, is what led to the first batches of this beloved spirit. The heat doesn’t just create rum; it also helps it age faster, giving it that rich flavor we all love.
Rum has more varieties than you think
Photo by Jennie Clavel on UnsplashWhite, dark, spiced, overproof, rhum agricole—the list goes on! Each type of rhum or ron brings something unique to the table (or the glass). White rum is light and perfect for mixing in cocktails like mojitos, while dark rum, with its deep, smoky flavor, is best enjoyed neat or in a Cuba Libre. Then there's spiced rum, which gets its kick from added spices and caramel—ideal for those cozy nights. Overproof rum? That’s for the brave souls looking to really turn up the heat!
It played a role in the American Revolution
Photo by Joseph Chan on UnsplashBet you didn’t know that rum was a key player in the American Revolution! Before whiskey became the drink of choice in the U.S., rum was the most popular spirit. In fact, rum was so beloved that it was used as currency, and rum distilleries helped fund the revolution against the British. So, in a way, Americans can thank rhum for their independence.
The world’s oldest rum distillery is still operating
Photo by Martin Martz on UnsplashIf you’re ever in Barbados, make sure to visit Mount Gay Distillery—the oldest rum distillery in the world, dating back to 1703. That’s over 300 years of rum-making expertise! Mount Gay has been producing rum in the same location for centuries, using methods passed down through generations. This distillery isn’t just a historical landmark; it’s a testament to the enduring love of rhum.
Rum has a role in voodoo ceremonies
Photo by Iwaria Inc. on UnsplashIn Haiti and parts of the Caribbean, rum isn’t just a drink; it’s a spiritual offering. In voodoo ceremonies, rum is often used as an offering to the spirits, known as "lwa." It’s believed that the spirits enjoy rum just as much as we do (if not more!). During rituals, rum might be poured on the ground, sipped by participants, or even sprayed in the air as an invitation for the spirits to join the celebration. Talk about a drink with soul!
The world’s most expensive rum costs as much as a house
Photo by Aubrey Odom on UnsplashYes, you read that right! The world’s most expensive bottle of rum, the "J. Wray & Nephew 1940s Rum," was sold for a jaw-dropping $54,000. This rare Jamaican rum was distilled during the 1940s and is one of the last remaining bottles of its kind. So, unless you’re planning to sell your house, you might have to settle for just reading about it. But hey, we can all dream, right?
It May Lead to Greater Stress and Anxiety
Photo by Nik on UnsplashConstantly altering your language, tone, and appearance to meet workplace or societal expectations can lead to greater stress and anxiety. This ongoing effort to blend in with the dominant culture creates a cycle of anxiety, especially when they feel like they must monitor themselves at all times to avoid judgment or negative stereotypes. The need to be hyper-aware of how you’re perceived is mentally exhausting, especially when you’re already juggling other things, including work. This is anxiety-inducing and that anxiety can be even more intense if you’re involved in high-stress environments. Ultimately, it can affect your ability to fully engage in tasks or make confident decisions.
It May Make You Feel Inauthentic and Affect Your Sense of Identity
Photo by Tiago Bandeira on Unsplash
Code-switching forces people of color to compartmentalize parts of their identity. It’s no surprise that leads to a sense of inauthenticity. When you have to constantly suppress your natural way of speaking or expressing your culture, it can only lead to internal conflict. Over time, this can make you feel disconnected from your authentic self and true identity. The mental burden of “playing a role” for most of your day can lead to feeling alienated from your cultural roots. Is that a fair price to pay?
It May Cause Burnout and Emotional Fatigue
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
The emotional labor of constantly adjusting speech, appearance, and behavior requires a lot of mental energy. Latinas and other POCs may feel like they’re performing, often for hours on end. So it’s not surprising to feel exhausted at the end of the day or whatever occasion you were exposed to that made you decide to code-switch. This fatigue can eventually lead to burnout, especially at work, making you feel disconnected. This is why working in places that lack cultural inclusivity isn’t sustainable in the long term. You will eventually feel overworked and emotionally depleted.
It May Lead to Imposter Syndrome
Photo by Resume Genius on UnsplashImposter syndrome, the psychological phenomenon where people doubt their own achievements and fear they’re frauds, is very common among people who code-switch. Code-switching can deepen your feelings of imposter syndrome because you know you’re being inauthentic. For example, Latinas often worry about being “not Latina enough” in predominantly white spaces, while simultaneously worrying about being “too Latina” for professional success. This dual pressure can make it hard to develop a sense of confidence in their abilities and achievements.
It May Cause Social Isolation
Photo by Carolina on UnsplashPeople of color who frequently code-switch may feel socially isolated both in the workplace and in their personal lives. In trying to fit into a corporate culture, it’s common for them to hold back from sharing cultural experiences or engaging in casual conversations that reflect their heritage. This can make it harder to form meaningful connections with coworkers or to feel fully integrated into the workplace community.
It May Have a Negative Impact on Work Performance
Photo by Walls.io on UnsplashWhen you focus a lot of mental energy on code-switching, your work performance can suffer. The pressure to self-monitor can be a major distraction from job responsibilities, not to mention the mental strain of code-switching can reduce focus, making you less productive. The constant mental balancing act may also make you more hesitant to share your innovative ideas or offer leadership contributions, ultimately limiting your professional growth.
It May Cause Long-Term Psychological Damage
Photo by Matthew Ball on UnsplashBeing labeled as "acting white" can lead to long-term psychological harm. People of color who frequently code-switch may experience a sense of not belonging in either their cultural community or their workplace. Over time, this disconnect can result in feelings of alienation, loneliness, and even identity confusion. When you feel like you don’t fit in anywhere, it can create insecurities that run deep. It can also lead to mental health issues like anxiety or even depression.
It’s Simply Less Joyful!
Photo by Engin Akyurt
Perhaps the worst thing about code-switching is that it may steal you of your joy. For example, Latinas are often vibrant and expressive women with rich cultural traditions and values. Dimming your own light to fit into a certain context can take a big emotional toll on you. When you have to deny your cultural pride, you’re denying an important part of yourself. How can that lead to joy or satisfaction?
While code-switching can feel like a necessary evil to do well at work or fit into social situations, the psychological cost may be too high to pay. Holding workplaces and society at large accountable for their lack of inclusivity could be a much better use of our energy!
