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.
Jovita Idar (1885–1946)
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Imagine being a woman of color in the early 1900s, fighting for both Mexican-American and women’s rights. That was Jovita Idar, a Mexican-American journalist, activist, and suffragist. She used her platform to speak up for the Mexican-American community, who were often treated unfairly and marginalized. But she didn’t stop there—Jovita knew that change started with education, so she founded the League of Mexican Women to focus on providing schooling for children. This wasn’t just about learning ABCs; it was about empowering the next generation to break the cycle of discrimination. And when it came to women’s rights, Jovita was all in, pushing for the vote and the recognition women deserved. Her bravery and activism laid the groundwork for future Latina advocates.
Luisa Moreno (1907–1992)
Photo by Gabriel Jimenez on UnsplashLuisa Moreno was a force to be reckoned with in the labor movement. Born in Guatemala, she moved to the U.S. and quickly became a key figure in organizing Latine workers, especially those exploited in low-wage industries like canneries and agriculture. What’s really impressive is how she united workers from all kinds of backgrounds—Latinos, African-Americans, Filipinos, and others—under a common cause: better wages, working conditions, and labor rights. She wasn’t just fighting for fair pay; she was advocating for dignity and respect for people often overlooked by society. Luisa’s work helped bring attention to the struggles of Latine workers and ensured that their voices were heard in the broader labor movement.
Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías (1929–2001)
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Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías broke so many barriers in healthcare that it’s hard to count them all. As the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association, she was determined to make healthcare more accessible for marginalized communities, particularly women and children. She worked on expanding public health services for those who needed it most—low-income families, immigrants, and people of color. But perhaps her most impactful work was her campaign against forced sterilizations, which were shockingly common in Puerto Rico and the U.S. in the 1970s, especially among women of color. Dr. Rodríguez Trías stood up for women’s rights to control their bodies and ensured their voices were heard in healthcare policies.
Felicitas Méndez (1916–1998)
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In the 1940s, long before the famous Brown v. Board of Education case, Felicitas Méndez and her husband, Gonzalo, stood up to school segregation in California. Their children were barred from attending a “whites-only” school, and Felicitas decided enough was enough. She fought back, filing a lawsuit known as Méndez v. Westminster. And guess what? They won. This case paved the way for the eventual desegregation of schools in California and set a precedent for the national fight against segregated schools in the U.S. Felicitas was a true trailblazer, fighting not just for her children but for the future of all Latino children.
María Amparo Ruiz de Burton (1832–1895)
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María Amparo Ruiz de Burton was the first Mexican-American woman to publish fiction novels in English, which was groundbreaking in itself. Her works, though fictional, gave readers an inside look at the lives of Mexican-Americans after the U.S.-Mexican War. Ruiz de Burton didn’t hold back in her critiques of American society and how it treated Mexicans and other minorities. Her novel “Who Would Have Thought It?” offered a sharp and witty critique of racism, imperialism, and the social inequalities of her time. She was unafraid to speak out against the injustices that came from the war and its aftermath, making her one of the earliest voices to challenge how history remembers this period.
Julia de Burgos (1914–1953)
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Julia de Burgos was a poet who used her words to push for social justice, women’s rights, and Puerto Rican independence. Her poetry spoke to the struggles of identity and the search for self, but it also highlighted the political and social issues of her time. Through her work, she became a symbol of the fight against colonialism and for women's liberation. Julia’s poetry was ahead of its time—her fearless voice resonated with people struggling to find their place in a world that often wanted to silence them. She continues to inspire poets, activists, and feminists to this day.
Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002)
© Valérie ShaffSylvia Rivera was a bold, unapologetic voice for LGBTQ+ rights at a time when few others were willing to take up the cause. Of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descent, she was a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. But Sylvia’s activism didn’t stop there—she co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to help homeless transgender youth, offering them not just a safe place to stay but also a sense of community and belonging. Sylvia’s advocacy wasn’t always met with appreciation, even within the LGBTQ+ community, but she never stopped fighting for those who were the most marginalized. Today, she’s remembered as a trailblazer in the fight for transgender rights.
Antonia Pantoja (1922–2002)
Antonia Pantoja dedicated her life to empowering Puerto Rican youth in the U.S. Through her organization ASPIRA, she created leadership and educational programs that helped young Latinos succeed academically and professionally. Antonia’s vision was to equip young people with the tools to lead their communities and fight for their rights. Her work helped countless Latino students achieve their dreams, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their fields. Antonia’s legacy continues through ASPIRA, which still operates today, supporting Latino students across the country.
Each of these Latina women was a powerhouse in her own right, making lasting impacts on society. Their stories remind us that history is filled with unsung heroes who deserve to be celebrated just as much as more well-known names.
Host a Dinner Party
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There’s no better way to celebrate than with food! Invite your family and friends over for a dinner that showcases dishes from your culture. From tamales to empanadas, tostones to ceviche, you can cook whatever you feel represents the diversity of Latino cuisine. Make it a potluck and encourage everyone to bring a dish from their own heritage. You’ll not only share great food but also stories and traditions that bring people closer. If you don’t cook, why not take a tour of local Latino restaurants or food trucks? You can bring friends and family with you, and make a whole day out of it. It would be a delicious way to spend a weekend, just saying!
Support Latino-Owned Businesses in Your Community
Photo by Yeh Xintong on UnsplashDuring Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, it’s important to support Latino-owned businesses in your community. Whether it’s your local bakery, a clothing boutique, or a beauty brand, showing your support helps uplift the Latino community. You can also find a lot of online Latino-owned businesses to support and help bring to everyone's attention. The best thing about this is you get to discover some incredible products and services rooted in the culture, while also uplifting them. It's a win/win situation.
Learn About Latino Heroes, Especially the Unsung Ones
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Hispanic Heritage Month is definitely the time to learn about influential Latino figures who have shaped history and culture. Especially when it comes to the unsung heroes, most of them women, who have been trailblazers for all of us. Learning about Latino figures, past and present, has never been easier. You can explore documentaries, books, or even podcasts dedicated to celebrating Latino icons, and look into the Latino activists who are paving the way today. Take it a step further and share their stories with others to spread the word about their legacy and keep it alive.
Attend Hispanic Heritage Month Events
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Most cities in the U.S. hold special events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, from festivals to parades and cultural exhibits. These events are perfect opportunities to learn more about the different Latin American cultures and feel a sense of pride and unity with your community. Check out local museums, libraries, and community centers for any exhibits or performances showcasing Latino history and art, and add them to your calendar.
Get Involved with a Charity or Community Organization
Photo by Katt Yukawa on UnsplashOne of the best ways to honor your heritage is by giving back. Find a Latino-based charity or community organization that speaks to you and get involved. Whether it’s a food drive, mentorship program, or support for immigrant communities, volunteering your time is a beautiful way to celebrate the values of family, resilience, and unity that are so central to many Latino cultures.
Explore Your Roots with a Family History Project
Photo by Vivek Kumar on UnsplashTake this month as an opportunity to dive into your family history. Talk to your relatives, collect old photos, and record their stories. You might be surprised by the incredible history you uncover. Whether your family came from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, or any other Latin American country, learning about your ancestors is a powerful way to stay connected to your roots and preserve that heritage for future generations.
Celebrate with Fashion
Photo by Matt Hanns Schroeter on UnsplashCelebrate your heritage by embracing traditional Latino fashion! Whether it’s wearing a guayabera, a flowy Mexican dress, or jewelry that reflects your culture, expressing yourself through fashion is a fun and stylish way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. You can even put together a cultural fashion show with friends where everyone can wear outfits from their homelands and explain the meaning behind them.
Share Your Culture with Others
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate is by sharing your culture with those around you. This can be as simple as inviting a non-Latino friend to a cultural event or any get-together you organize during this month, sharing your favorite family recipe, educating them about important Latino figures, or explaining the history behind a particular holiday or tradition. Every time you share your culture with others, you’re helping create understanding and appreciation for the beauty of Latino heritage.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to take pride in your roots, share your culture, highlight Latino contributions, and strengthen the bond between yourself and your heritage. So, let your Latino pride shine and bring others in on it!
