Many forget, or don't know, that from September 15 to October 15th exists Hispanic American Heritage Month; a month where we appreciate all that of which this specific culture has contributed to the United States. But before I make a list, here is some background information.

Latin America - from Mexico to Chile - belonged to the Spanish Empire. But on the 15th of September 1821, the federation of Central America (including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) won their independence from Spain. On the 16th and the 18th Mexico and Chile gained their independence as well. Cuba won their independence later in 1868. Hispanic American Heritage Month continues through October because of Columbus day, El Dia de la Raza. This celebration of culture was instituted by President Lyndon B Johnson, but extended into a 30 day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

Ever since, there have been celebrations all over the nation honoring Hispanic American Heritage. This beautiful ethnicity has expanded in many of our public establishments: our capital, hospitals, courts, fields, museums, televisions, theaters, military, and our universities. You also cannot possibly travel from North to South Californiawithout passing a mission. Our cities and streets bear Spanish names like San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego. 

Let us not forget the extraordinary breakthroughs in art that have astounded us all, like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The surrealist Salvador Dali and cubist Pablo Picasso have too inspired many modern artists. Also, imagine how different our music would be without Selena Quintanilla-Perez, Shakira, Carlos Santana or even pop artist Selena Gomez. We have grown to love Hispanic actors like Zoe Saldana, Andy Garcia, Freddie Prince Jr. and I Love Lucy’s Desi Arnaz. Furthermore, we rise to chant for athletes such as: Manny Ramirez, Pau Gasol, and NY Giants Wide Receiver Victor Cruz. American culture today has been significantly influenced by Hispanic American Heritage.

I, personally, am an example of the expansion of Hispanic culture, as I attend college in beautiful San Diego. There are grand spots of Hispanic Heritage in San Diego like Balboa Park and Old Town. I am glad that I can be in that great city full of my heritage and I am proud that I have Hispanic peers following the same dream as me. The youth are the future for the face of this culture. 

Our language is considered secondary in the US, but it has almost become a necessity to learn. And as we look at how much influence this culture has had throughout history, it is important to remember the past. My father said to me earlier tonight, “Mirame, como yo miro es como tu miràs”, in translation, “Look at me, what you see is how you will look in the future.” This is to say that no matter how far you go in life, you will always carry your name, your skin color, your language, and your culture.