Honor National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Honoring the Stars of Hispanic and Latino Heritage
September rolls in, and it's time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, extending from the 15th to the 30th! This vibrant month showcases the remarkable contributions of Hispanic Americans who have significantly influenced our nation's history and culture.
As you might wonder, the celebratory month kicks off in the heart of September. This isn't a random choice—September 15th marks the independence anniversaries of various Latin American nations, such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua[3][4]. Adding to this, Mexico commemorates its independence on September 16th, creating a perfect symphony of cultural pride[3][4].
To honor these exceptional individuals, our library is filled with various biographies that shine a light on the lives of numerous Hispanic Americans. One of the best ways to celebrate their impact is by delving into their stories.
If you'd like to explore further, our website offers a plethora of online resources at the "Online Resources" tab. Navigate to "Reference and Research" to access Gale in Context: Biography, where you'll find comprehensive information about the lives of influential figures[1].
Let's take a look at a few inspiring figures I've researched:
- Mario Molina (1943-2020): This Nobel Prize-winning Mexican chemist was the first to realize that chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) could damage the ozone layer. Despite skepticism, he persisted in raising awareness about his findings until they were eventually confirmed. His tenacity earned him the Nobel Prize[6].
- Eva Longoria: Born to Mexican-American parents in Corpus Christi, TX, the same area as the much-loved late singer Selena, Eva made her acting debut in daytime soap operas. Her big break came with the evening comedy-drama Desperate Housewives. Off-screen, she serves as a spokesperson for Padres Contra El Cancer and founded Eva's Heroes, an organization that assists young adults with developmental disabilities[7].
- Sandra Cisneros: This Mexican-American poet, novelist, and essayist, born in 1954 in Chicago, drew extensively from her childhood experiences and ethnic heritage in her writing. Sandra was the only daughter of a family of seven children, with her parents meeting in Mexico but often traveling back and forth due to family obligations[8].
As you immerse yourself in these remarkable stories, you'll undoubtedly discover the profound impact Hispanic Americans have left and continue to leave on our society. So, let's celebrate and learn!
[1] Gale, Cengage Learning, n.d., Gale in Context: Biography, www.gale.com/InContext/ItxtHome.aspx?id=RDPMG_BI_2001100010300.
[2] Hispanic Heritage Month: Resources for Students and Teachers, The Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/lessons/hispanic-heritage-mid/hispanic-heritage-month/.
[3] National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Archives, www.archives.gov/education/lessons/hispanic-heritage-month/.
[4] Robles, A. T. (2020, September 15). Why National Hispanic Heritage Month Starts on September 15. Smithsonian Magazine. www.smithsonianmag.com/history/why-national-hispanic-heritage-month-starts-september-15-180972621/.
[5] U.S. Census Bureau. (2010, April 1). Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/latest-news/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb10-ff11.html
[6] Garcia, E. (2019, November 5). Mario Molina, Nobel Prize-winning environmentalist, dies at 77. The Associated Press. www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mario-molina-nobel-prize-winning-environmentalist-dies-at-77-helped-spread-word-on-ozone-layer-holes/2019/11/05/15d1fd5c-7e95-11ea-a8b9-2d76b9a279c1_story.html.
[7] Michaels, G. (2021, August 26). Eva Longoria: Activist, Mom, Entrepreneur - and Now a College Student. www.womenshealthmag.com/celebrity/a37585084/eva-longoria-returning-college/.
[8] Sandra Cisneros - Poet, Lacuna Arts. lacunaarts.org/sandra-cisneros/
- In addition to biographies, our library also houses books on various topics that represent the lives and interests of adults, such as education and self-development, fashion-and-beauty, and even populuar culture or entertainment.
- Delving deeper into the world of learning, our online resources offer courses in online-education, allowing adults to broaden their horizons and upgrade their careers.
- The library, besides being a repository of books, is also a hub for community gatherings and discussions, making it a perfect place for like-minded adults to come together and share their views on various topics, including careers and lifestyle.
- During Hispanic Heritage Month, it's essential to acknowledge the significant contributions of Hispanic celebrities in shaping the cultural landscape, both on and off screen, and to appreciate their impact on entertainment and pop-culture.
- Furthermore, the influence of influential Hispanic figures transcends the entertainment industry, reaching into the realm of education; their achievements serve as an inspiration for the upcoming generations of students, encouraging them to pursue excellence and self-improvement.
- As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let's recognize the wealth of knowledge and insights these individuals have shared, and take the opportunity to learn from their successes, perserverance, and impact on our society.