Hispanic* Heritage Month runs from September 15-October 15. This month is to pay tribute to the contributions of Hispanic Americans, similar to February for Black people. A little about Hispanic Heritage Month:
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period
For those confused about why a Black-positive website is honoring Latino Americans, take a gander at THIS. The African Diaspora extends far beyond North America. I digress….
*As a Black person, I feel awkward using ‘Hispanic’. Hispanic is defined as:
1 : of, relating to, or being a person of Latin American descent and especially of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican origin living in the U.S.
2: of or relating to the people, speech, or culture of Spain
‘Hispanic’ feels the same way ‘African American’ feels….like it was made up to make white people feel comfortable to refer to the ‘other’. It just reeks of colonization. But perhaps I am just projecting. I am very curious about how the Latino/Hispanic community feels about it. I am sure the opinions are not monolithic the same way ‘African American’ is not monolithic to Black people (can you tell I don’t like ‘African American?).
Today’s post acknowledges the Afro-Latinos icons throughout history, who have greatly contributed to their country, society, and/or the world as a whole. We salute you!
Of course the list extends past the nine listed here. Nevertheless, here you go! Enjoy!
General José Joaquin Puello
General José Joaquín Puello (1805-1847), was a Dominican general, government minister, and one of the only (along with his brother) prominent Afro-Dominicans in the Dominican War of Independence.
Rafael Serra
Rafael Serra (1858-1909), was an Afro Cuban writer and activist, known for fighting for the rights of Cubans of color and supporting the Cuban War of Independence.
Mariana Grajales Cuello
Marina Grajales Cuello (1808-1893), was an Afro-Cuban icon of the women’s struggle and help lead the fight against Spanish rule, and slavery, in Cuba.
Aruturo Alfonso Schomburg
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg (1874-1938), was a Afro-Puerto Rican historian, writer, and a prominent figure during the Harlem Renaissance.
Julia de Burgos
Julia de Burgos (1914-1953), was one of the most prominent Afro-Latina poets in modern history, and considered one of the most famous female poets from Puerto Rico.
José Celso Barbosa
José Celso Barbosa (1857-1921), was a doctor, sociologist, political leader, the 1st Puerto Rican of African descent to earn a medical degree in the US, and the Father of the Statehood Movement in Puerto Rico.
Ulises Heureaux
Ulises Heureaux (1845-1899), was the 22nd, 26th, and 27th president of the Dominican Republic.
Sylvia del Villard
Sylvia del Villard (1928-1990), was an Afro-Puerto Rican singer, dancer, choreographer, orator, and political activist.
General Antonio Maceo Grajales
Antonio Maceo Grajales (1848-1896), was a General, second in command of Cuba’s Army of Independence.