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Overview
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic/Latino culture from September 15 to October 15. As we close this amazing month of celebration check out the history of the month, famous people, and events from this year.
History
Hispanic Heritage Month was originally a celebration lasting a week, but in 1988 President Ronald Reagan changed it to the month we observe today. This month is mainly based around the independence dates of Central American countries. With many Latinos and Latinas having an important impact in America this celebration is a great way to honor and celebrate the Hispanic/Latino community.
Famous People
Frida Kahlo by Rael Garcia Arnes is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
Kahlo was a Mexican artist. Her most famous works are her portraits and self-portraits that she painted. Her paintings often dealt with themes of identity as a way to explore her own identity. Some of her famous paintings include The Two Fridas, Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, and Diego and I. Kahlo’s paintings are said to have signs of Mexican Patriotism, and she played a large part in the Mexican nationalist movement with her art. She also had a lot of art that resonated with women, specifically women of color. Frida Kahlo was more than an artist; she was also a challenger of societal norms and expectations.
Robert Clemente Statue by RoySmith is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Roberto Clemente (1934-1972)
Roberto Clemente was a famous Puerto Rican baseball player. Clemente is largely known for playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Clemente not only showed up on the field, he also displayed dedication when advocating for Latin American baseball players. As a player who often faced inequity, Clemente made a point to fight the intolerance of others. After his sudden passing in 1972, Clemente was quickly inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and had an important MLB community award named after him.
Sonia Sotomayor by White House is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor is a Puerto Rican Supreme Court justice who became the first Hispanic justice. Sotomayor grew up in a challenged community in the Bronx. Even so, Sotomayor attended both Princeton and Yale before moving to New York. Sotomayor has made many important decisions, including the legalization of same-sex marriage. She is an inspiring Hispanic woman who made a great future even though she had a tough childhood.
Cesar Chavez (1927-1993)
Cesar Chavez was a Mexican American farmworker who soon became a civil rights activist. Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association and started a strike in California. After his death, Chavez was awarded for his work with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for supporting and fighting for the working class.
Cesar Chavez by Los Angeles Times is licensed under CC-BY 4.0
Events
Check out a few local celebrations that took place over the past Hispanic Heritage Month.
Red Sox Hispanic Celebration
The Red Sox hosted a Hispanic celebration night on September 20. At the game Medias Rojas jerseys were given out with ticket purchases.
CineFest Latino Boston
CineFest Lation Boston was a film festival held in late September. The festival showcases Latino culture, talent, and stories through film. One of the films shown this year centered around the life of Frida Kahlo. The festival had many sponsors and is expected to continue next year.
Boston Hispanic & Latino 5K
On September 21 Boston Road Runners hosted a Hispanic and Latino 5k to celebrate the month.
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