Hispanic Heritage Month
A Point of Pride

The month of September 15 to October 15 is recognized as a time to celebrate our common history and to educate ourselves and our fellow Americans about Latinos. It is important to us to remember who we are now and when we got here.

More than 500 years ago, long before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, our forefathers came to this new world. They were met by another set of our ancestors, native to this land. Over time, and with the inclusion of unwilling immigrants from Africa, a new people emerged whom we now officially refer to as “Hispanics.” But in our barrios many of us refer to ourselves as La Raza or, more precisely, La Raza Cósmica, the cosmic race, a race of all races, the Hispanic people of the new world.

We are as “white” as Cameron Diaz, and as “black” as Sammy Sosa. We are brown, we are red, and we are yellow. We are Arab and Jew. We are European, African, Asian, and Native American. For Latinos, it is not the color of one’s skin that determines a person’s worth: it is the quality of his or her core values of culture, family, humanity, faith, and morals.

Over time, we became Americans – some by choice, many by conquest. We have enriched this country with our culture, language, and values.

Hispanics believe in the American Dream, and we want to make it real for all Americans. We believe in the United States of America and in every war or conflict since the 1776 rebellion, Hispanics have served and sacrificed for this nation with honor.

To some, becoming American means letting go of one’s heritage language and culture. By cherishing our heritage, we do not reject our country’s common language of English but rather believe our traditions are the very building blocks that made our country a world leader. The Founding Fathers created this democracy to protect “liberty and justice for all.” While not perfect, this nation is still the destination people of all walks of life seek out for freedom and opportunity.

Certainly, we find ourselves in difficult times. Some of our fellow Americans are threatened by our growing population, political power, and economic clout. Historically, when times are tough, blame is placed on the most recent immigrants. At those times, it is forgotten that we have been here as long as, or in some cases, hundreds of years longer than many Americans.

I challenge all Americans to take time during these thirty days to educate themselves about the contributions and sacrifices that immigrants made, and continue to make, to take this country into the 21st century as a global power. For Latinos, I wish to expand upon this challenge. First, learn your history. Take pride in your culture, language, and heritage. Share it with your family. For too long our stories have not been included in the telling of the nation’s history. Our children know about César Chávez, but what about Dr. Hector Garcia? They are aware of Brown vs. Board of Education, but do they know the significance of Mendez vs. Westminster? Do you?

Secondly, education is the path to the American Dream. For Hispanics, the “educational pipeline” is more like a sieve; it has many leaks along the way. If America is to compete in the future, we must educate our children now. We must stop our young people from dropping out of school and into crime, poverty, and despair. Parents must recognize their responsibilities as partners and advocates for their children’s education.

My message for Hispanic Heritage Month 2009 is simple: Take pride in your heritage, never stop learning, and work for a more tolerant and just nation for all of us. ¡Viva America! ¡Viva la raza!

By Raul Yzaguirre